Search Results (152)

The sustainability transition of the textile industry requires amongst other strategies circular approaches. Ecodesign guidelines and design for recycling are approaches that reduce resource consumption and textile waste. Garments are made of a large variety of different materials, from blended fibers to haberdashery items, colorants, and finishings, making it challenging to predict the composition of post-consumer textile waste. This mix of materials complicates recycling efforts, contributing to globally less than 1% of fiber-to-fiber recycling. This study investigates material compositions of one of the most popular and widespread garments: T-shirts. While about half of our sample contains cotton only, the other items contain two or more fibers, revealing huge variations in fiber blends, including varying degrees of elastane contents, which are not linked to functional requirements. These blends, especially the varying levels of elastane, increase costs and efforts for recycling, making fiber-to-fiber recycling less attractive and more expensive than new fiber production. They also contribute to avoidable microfiber pollution. Accordingly, this study underlines the requirements for providing detailed ecodesign guidelines and applying the extended producer responsibility to incorporate environmental lifecycle costs, to help shift the industry towards a circular economy. Full article

Wearable auditory feedback systems have demonstrated potential to support gait rehabilitation, yet user experience and engagement remain underexplored. This feasibility study investigated the usability and perceptions of an IMU-based (WT901BLECL, WitMotion) sonification system designed to deliver real-time gait feedback. Twenty healthy participants walked on a treadmill at two speeds under three conditions: no feedback, discrete bass tones, and continuous whoosh tones. The proposed system, with an IMU sensor embedded in a flexible garment, combined real-time gait analysis with auditory cues. Participants reported high levels of comfort, with most (90%) indicating that they had a positive overall experience. Discrete bass tones enhanced awareness of specific gait phases, particularly heel strike and initial contact, whereas continuous whoosh sounds extended awareness to the trunk and hips but were occasionally perceived as distracting. Motivation effects were mixed, and no significant correlations were found between subjective ratings and biomechanical measures, reflecting individual variability in auditory cue interpretation. These results emphasized the role of sound modality in influencing gait perception and highlighted the importance of user-centered design in wearable rehabilitation technologies. The study provides foundational evidence for refining personalized auditory feedback systems and supports future investigations with clinical populations, such as stroke survivors and individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Full article

The apparel industry is changing dynamically and quickly to manufacturing sustainable fashion products and the development of sustainable design strategies that minimize material consumption at the source. This study addresses a critical research gap by quantitatively evaluating the impact of fusing traditional South Asian garment construction (the kameez) with varied, Western-inspired sleeve geometries on key manufacturing metrics. Thirty-three distinct women’s garment styles, comprising three kameez types (simple, princess-cut, open-front) each paired with eleven different sleeve designs, were developed in the apparel industry to study the effect of fabric efficiency, wastage, and cost-effectiveness. The virtual patterns and markers were drafted and accomplished through Garment Gerber Technology (GGT) software to analyze fabric consumption, fabric efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The results revealed that paneled kameez styles, such as the princess-cut and open-front, are significantly more material-efficient, achieving average fabric efficiencies of up to 83.95%, compared to the monolithic simple kameez, which averaged only 75.68%. Among sleeve types, multi-constructions like the slit sleeve and cuff sleeve proved most efficient (achieving up to 86.91% efficiency), while voluminous, single-piece designs like the umbrella sleeve consumed the most fabric and were the least efficient. Open-front kameez slit sleeves (OFSL3), simple kameez slit sleeves (SSL3), and princess-cut kameez slit sleeves (PCSL3), were better and more sustainable selections since they were most efficient in fabric efficiency (i.e., 86.91%, 86.17%, and 86.09%). Furthermore, the simple kameez style has the highest fabric wastage (above 22%), while the princess kameez style has the least (below 19%). The simple kameez slit sleeves design (SSL3) has the minimum wastage, while the simple kameez umbrella sleeves design (SSL4) has the maximum wastage. From a cost perspective, the open-front kameez slit sleeve (OFSL1) was identified as the most economical design, whereas the simple kameez with an umbrella sleeve (SSL4) was the most expensive. Statistical analysis confirmed that the differences between kameez styles were significant (p < 0.05). Thus, adoption of specific, sustainable, deliberate design choices and incorporating paneling into the garment body and utilizing multi-piece sleeve constructions offer a quantifiable and strategic approach for manufacturers to reduce material waste, optimize fabric utilization, and improve production cost-effectiveness. Full article

The garment manufacturing industry, being labor-intensive, has long faced challenges in automating the sewing process due to the flexibility and deformability of fabrics. This study proposes a novel strategy for automated sewing by integrating soft fingers and machine vision technology. Firstly, leveraging the flexibility and adjustability of soft fingers, combined with the motion characteristics of the sewing machine, a sewing model was established to achieve coordinated operation between the soft fingers and the sewing machine. Experimental results indicate that the fabric feeding speed and waiting time of the soft fingers are significantly correlated with the sewing speed and stitch density of the sewing machine, but not with the fabric properties. Secondly, machine vision technology was employed to inspect the quality of the sewn fabrics, achieving a classification accuracy of 97.84%. This study not only provides theoretical and technical support for the intelligent upgrading of the garment manufacturing industry but also lays the foundation for the automation of complex sewing processes such as quilting. Future research will further optimize the system’s performance and expand its applications in more complex sewing tasks. Full article

This study investigates sustainability-oriented design and production practices in Slovenia, focusing on brand-led approaches grounded in local innovation, cultural heritage and community engagement. Through mapping of Slovenian fashion enterprises, the research identifies and analyzes core sustainability and circularity strategies including zero- and low-waste design, recycling, upcycling and the development of adaptable, long-lasting garments. Further attention is given to participatory design methods involving consumers, the strategic social media use for community building and service-based circular economy models such as lifetime garment repair. Technological and production innovations, localized supply chains and small-scale production models are assessed for their role in reducing environmental impact and advancing sustainable supply chain management. The study also analyzes initiatives to shorten the fashion loop, including dematerialization and production minimization, as pathways to reduce resource consumption. Methodologically, the study combines empirical fieldwork, participant observation and literature review to deliver a comprehensive analysis of Slovenia’s sustainable fashion sector. The findings contribute to the global discourse on regional and place-based sustainability in fashion demonstrating how design-driven, small- and medium-sized enterprises can integrate circular economy principles, cultural continuity and collaborative innovation to foster environmentally responsible and socially embedded fashion. Full article

As Virtual Try-On (VTON) technology matures, 2D VTON methods based on diffusion models can now rapidly generate diverse and high-quality try-on results. However, with rising user demands for realism and immersion, many applications are shifting towards 3D VTON, which offers superior geometric and spatial consistency. Existing 3D VTON approaches commonly face challenges such as barriers to practical deployment, substantial memory requirements, and cross-view inconsistencies. To address these issues, we propose an efficient 3D VTON framework with robust multi-view consistency, whose core design is to decouple the monolithic 3D editing task into a four-stage cascade as follows: (1) We first reconstruct an initial 3D scene using 3D Gaussian Splatting, integrating the SMPL-X model at this stage as a strong geometric prior. By computing a normal-map loss and a geometric consistency loss, we ensure the structural stability of the initial human model across different views. (2) We employ the lightweight CatVTON to generate 2D try-on images, that provide visual guidance for the subsequent personalized fine-tuning tasks. (3) To accurately represent garment details from all angles, we partition the 2D dataset into three subsets—front, side, and back—and train a dedicated LoRA module for each subset on a pre-trained diffusion model. This strategy effectively mitigates the issue of blurred details that can occur when a single model attempts to learn global features. (4) An iterative optimization process then uses the generated 2D VTON images and specialized LoRA modules to edit the 3DGS scene, achieving 360-degree free-viewpoint VTON results. All our experiments were conducted on a single consumer-grade GPU with 24 GB of memory, a significant reduction from the 32 GB or more typically required by previous studies under similar data and parameter settings. Our method balances quality and memory requirement, significantly lowering the adoption barrier for 3D VTON technology. Full article

This paper is a case study of the Tang-dynasty Gilded Silver “Bodhisattva Holding up the True Body” (peng zhenshen pusa 捧真身菩薩) Statue (dated 871) excavated from the relic crypt of the Famen Temple pagoda in Fufeng 扶風 County, Shanxi 陝西. Commissioned to commemorate Emperor Yizong 懿宗’s 39th birthday, the statue was designed both to support the Buddha’s relic and to express a wish for the emperor’s longevity. Most strikingly, the Bodhisattva is seated on a three-layered pedestal richly adorned with esoteric Buddhist images and Siddhaṃ scripts. Departing from previous Buddhalogical approaches, this paper suggests that the Famen Temple statue did not serve to illustrate a specific maṇḍala, theological doctrine, or scripture. Instead, together with the five miniature garments interred underneath it, the statue draws upon esoteric ritual technology—particularly the Three Siddhi mantras—as well as cosmological, botanical, and embryological imagery to create a soteriological matrix of bodily transformation for the intended beneficiaries. By situating the object within the historical circumstances and religious practices of the late Tang imperial court, this study illuminates the statue’s conceptual design, symbolic significance, and intended function—namely, to address the patrons’ concerns with spiritual salvation and the renewal of life after death. Full article

The fashion industry faces a critical sustainability crisis, contributing up to 10% of global carbon emissions and generating 92 million tons of textile waste annually. The study highlights the complex interplay of material flows, business models, power structures, and cultural mindsets, presenting a multi-scaled framework for advancing cleaner production and circularity in one of the world’s most resource-intensive sectors. This study proposes a transformative model for circular bioeconomy in fashion, integrating systems-change theory, degrowth economics, and emotional durability. Through case studies, including Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, and EU policy frameworks, the paper demonstrates how circular strategies can reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, and promote ethical labor practices. Notably, brands implementing take-back programs and recycled materials have diverted over 1.5 million garments from landfills and achieved up to 70% recycled content. The study critically addresses challenges such as technological solutionism, systemic greenwashing, and waste colonialism, concluding that incremental changes are insufficient. A paradigm shift in business models, consumer culture, and policy is essential for a regenerative and just fashion future. Full article

Background: This study explores the relationship among various supply chain management practices, including customer relationship management, lean practices, use of information technology, and quality of information sharing with operational performance in the readymade garments industry of Bangladesh. It also examines the mediating role of quality of information sharing in these relationships. Methods: Data were collected from 80 readymade garment companies across five different geographical locations, with companies of varying sizes (large, medium, and small), involving 365 respondents with a response rate of 65%. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied for the analysis. Results: The results indicate that all four practices significantly enhance operational performance, while customer relationship management and use of information technology also improve performance indirectly through quality of information sharing, unlike lean practices. Conclusions: The findings suggest that supply chain managers and stakeholders can improve operational performance by implementing supply chain management practices and understanding the complexities of their interrelationships. Full article

The advancement of wearable technologies has resulted in significant interest in GNSS-integrated textile antenna development. Although existing literature surveys predominantly concentrate on flexible non-textile antenna systems operating within UHF and 5G frequency spectra, systematic investigations of textile-based antenna configurations in the 1–2 GHz GNSS band have been relatively scarce. Contemporary GNSS textile antenna architectures primarily target GPS frequency coverage, while the global proliferation of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) infrastructure necessitates urgent development of BDS-compatible textile antenna solutions. This review methodically examines the structural configurations and radiation characteristics of 1–2 GHz textile antennas, bandwidth enhancement techniques, miniaturization methodologies, and gain optimization approaches, along with material selection criteria and manufacturing processes. Technical challenges persist in simultaneously achieving broadband operation, compact dimensions, and elevated gain performance. Primary manufacturing approaches encompassing laminated fabric assemblies, printed electronics, and embroidered conductive patterns are analyzed, while existing methodologies exhibit limited capacity for seamless garment integration. Despite remarkable progress in conductive material engineering, dielectric property modification studies demonstrate insufficient theoretical depth. Comprehensive mitigation strategies for multifaceted operational environments involving human proximity effects, mechanical deformation, and variable meteorological conditions remain notably underdeveloped. This comprehensive analysis aims to establish a foundational framework for next-generation BDS-oriented textile antenna development. Full article

Stroke is a significant global health concern characterized by the abrupt disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to neurological impairment. Accurate and timely diagnosis—enabled by imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—is essential for differentiating stroke types and initiating interventions like thrombolysis, thrombectomy, or surgical management. In parallel, recent advancements in wearable technology, particularly smart clothing, offer new opportunities for stroke prevention, real-time monitoring, and rehabilitation. These garments integrate various sensors, including electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes, electroencephalography (EEG) caps, electromyography (EMG) sensors, and motion or pressure sensors, to continuously track physiological and functional parameters. For example, ECG shirts monitor cardiac rhythm to detect atrial fibrillation, smart socks assess gait asymmetry for early mobility decline, and EEG caps provide data on neurocognitive recovery during rehabilitation. These technologies support personalized care across the stroke continuum, from early risk detection and acute event monitoring to long-term recovery. Integration with AI-driven analytics further enhances diagnostic accuracy and therapy optimization. This narrative review explores the application of smart clothing in conjunction with traditional imaging to improve stroke management and patient outcomes through a more proactive, connected, and patient-centered approach. Full article

This paper investigates the cultural, spiritual, and ecological use and value of fish by-products in the material practices of Alaska Native (Indigenous Peoples are the descendants of the populations who inhabited a geographical region at the time of colonisation and who retain some or all of their own social, economic, cultural, and political institutions. In this paper, I use the terms “Indigenous” and “Native” interchangeably. In some countries, one of these terms may be favoured over the other.) and Greenlandic Inuit women. It aims to uncover how fish remnants—skins, bones, bladders, vertebrae, and otoliths—were transformed through tanning, dyeing, and sewing into garments, containers, tools, oils, glues, and adornments, reflecting sustainable systems of knowledge production rooted in Arctic Indigenous lifeways. Drawing on interdisciplinary methods combining Indigenist research, ethnographic records, and sustainability studies, the research contextualises these practices within broader environmental, spiritual, and social frameworks. The findings demonstrate that fish-based technologies were not merely utilitarian but also carried symbolic meanings, linking wearers to ancestral spirits, animal kin, and the marine environment. These traditions persisted even after European contact and the introduction of glass trade beads, reflecting continuity and cultural adaptability. The paper contributes to academic discourse on Indigenous innovation and environmental humanities by offering a culturally grounded model of zero-waste practice and reciprocal ecology. It argues that such ancestral technologies are directly relevant to contemporary sustainability debates in fashion and material design. By documenting these underexamined histories, the study provides valuable insight into Indigenous resilience and offers a critical framework for integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into current sustainability practices. Full article

Burn injuries result in complex physiological and psychological sequelae, including hypermetabolism, muscle wasting, mobility impairment, scarring, and disrupted body image. While advances in acute care have improved survival, comprehensive rehabilitation strategies are critical for restoring function, appearance, and psychosocial well-being. Structured physical activity, including resistance and aerobic training, plays a central role in counteracting muscle atrophy, improving cardiovascular function, enhancing scar quality, and promoting psychological resilience and body image restoration. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the effects of exercise-based interventions on post-burn recovery, highlighting their therapeutic mechanisms, clinical applications, and implementation challenges. In addition to physical training, emerging technologies such as virtual reality, aquatic therapy, and compression garments offer promising adjunctive benefits. Notably, artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction in burn rehabilitation through its integration into wearable biosensors and telehealth platforms that enable real-time monitoring, individualized feedback, and predictive modeling of recovery outcomes. These AI-driven tools have the potential to personalize exercise regimens, support remote care, and enhance scar assessment and wound tracking. Overall, the integration of exercise-based interventions with digital technologies represents a promising, multimodal approach to burn recovery. Future research should focus on optimizing exercise prescriptions, improving access to personalized rehabilitation tools, and advancing AI-enabled systems to support long-term recovery, functional independence, and positive self-perception among burn survivors. Full article

The Moroccan garment industry faces challenges in scheduling small order batches, often hindered by traditional product family-based methods that increase downtime by 15–20%. This study proposes a clustering-based scheduling approach, grouping garments by technological times rather than product families to reduce changeovers and downtime by 30–35%. A case study in a Moroccan factory with 50–100-unit batches showed a 20% lead time reduction and a 15% productivity boost. Using methods like K-Means, the approach enhances planning flexibility and resource use. This methodology offers a scalable solution for optimizing production and maintaining competitiveness in fast fashion markets. Full article

Recent pressure sensor research often focuses on developing sensors for impulse applications, including touch sensors, e-skin development, or physiological monitoring. However, static loading applications, such as those needed for compression garment design, are significantly under-researched in comparison. Many technology solutions do not translate across applications, as static loading requires measurements which have high accuracy, high precision, and low drift. To address the gap in sensor development between impulse and static applications, we define a literature-based taxonomy providing two conceptual classifications based on sensor functionality and specific design characteristics. The taxonomy’s utility is demonstrated through the mapping of sensors onto compression garment development phases by matching application requirements with sensor performance. The taxonomy developed will advance research and the industry by providing a roadmap of how sensor characteristics influence performance to drive a focused development for future sensors, specifically for compression garment innovation. Full article