Undergarments with built-in sensors that track vital statistics, such as pulse and body temperature; fashions that alter their form, extending and contracting in length as required; and clothing that adapts to changes in temperature. Could this be the vision for fashion in the coming decades?

Well according to ‘Fashion Futurologist’ Dr Sabine Seymour, director of the Fashionable Technology Lab at Parsons The New School for Design in New York, these are just a few of the ways the integration of technology could transform apparel.

Commissioned to look at the wardrobe of the future to mark the launch of the new Huawei smartwatch, Dr Seymour believes personalisation will steer every aspect of our wardrobes.

In years to come, we will be able to change the pattern, colour and even the shape and style of our garments, she says. In fact, we may only need one dress or shirt, downloading new patterns and designs to stay on top of the latest fashions.

Getting hot on public transport or carrying a spare sweater in case of colder weather could also become a thing of the past, as garments will be able to adjust to your body temperature. While the rise of 3D printing techniques and on-demand manufacturing could pave the way for digital cobblers who will create shoes that fit your feet perfectly – and for the rest of your life.

Just like today’s phones, tablets or gaming systems, garments will also become gesture and touch-sensitive. By connecting your garments to other elements of your life, there will be a move from networked devices to networked people and networked spaces. Imagine, smart garments that connect to your car, which will adjust your seat according to personal preferences.

And of course, the future of fashion is sustainable. A major barrier at the moment is the current limitation of battery life. But using alternative energy sources, such as capturing the kinetic energy of a person as they walk, we will be able to create a new form of sustainable fashion, Dr Seymour suggests.

Also delving deeper into smart garments and e-textiles is a new report from just-style, which looks at the opportunities – and potential threats – for this fast growing sector. Click on the following link for more details: Wearable technology: The future market potential for smart garments and e-textiles.

http://www.just-style.com/the-just-style-blog/a-vision-for-the-future-of-fashion_id2382.aspx