Texcovery: Discovering Fabric Innovation & Technology

The design industry thrives on innovation, and we all know technology is revolutionizing every aspect of our lives, but you may not have thought about it for fabrics.  Remarkable technology is continually offering innovative options, but we have to learn about these in order to make the best selections. So, what do you look for and what best serves your needs?  While many of you may be familiar with performance fabrics, there are many different ones for inside vs out, health needs, and a wide range of durability.  Did you know there are smart and responsive textiles?  There are solutions that enhance the tactile experience, sustainability, cleanliness, and livability of fabrics. Imagine being able to communicate with smart fabric embedded with semiconductor technology, that we can speak to or are designed to keep us cool in hot conditions and warm in the cold. Picture fabrics that can absorb body heat and convert infrared energy, fabrics with anti-bacterial finishes, or ones that are sound-absorbing, thermal, and fire-retardant. All of these advancements not only offer functionality but also retain their aesthetic appeal and comfort. Additionally, the focus on product circularity and moving away from the “take, make, and discard approach is an integral part of this development.

The bar has been raised and expanded for performance fabrics, with improved durability, flexibility, stain resistance, and even antimicrobial treatments. Some fabrics are biodegradable for sustainability while others can be bleached clean. It is crucial to understand that different performance fabrics serve different purposes, and the yarn has to be engineered for the purpose needed. Just as we differentiate between commercial and residential requirements, we must consider the specific usage of performance fabrics. For example, a fabric may possess performance qualities indoors but lack the UV protection required for outdoor use. Factors such as double rubs (abrasion resistance), fade resistance, mildew resistance, and cleaning methods (bleach, soap, water) must be considered.

As designers, we are always seeking solutions that promote health and well-being. One such solution is Celliant, which has been prevalent in fashion brands like Under Armour and is now making its way into the interior design industry. Celliant is a sustainable blend of naturally occurring minerals and elements that can be woven into fibers or used as a coating for performance fabrics. When the body absorbs the heat generated by the fabric, it converts it into infrared energy, which is then reflected into the body, enhancing oxygen circulation in the cells. This, in turn, boosts performance, energy levels, recovery, and sleep quality. The applications of Celliant in interiors are vast, ranging from mattresses and bedding to healthcare upholstery, hospital furnishings, workplace chairs, and more. Keep in mind, this is not a fabric name, but an ingredient used in creating the finished product. It is a blend of all-natural minerals that are ground to an extremely fine powder and then embedded into the fabric so that it will not wash out. If it can (as has been reported from clinical studies) improve temperature regulation, increase strength and endurance, improve stamina and sleep, and promote faster recovery it should be appearing in home furnishings as it already has in fashion.

So, how else can fabric be smart? We already communicate with our appliances, security systems, speakers, and lighting, so why not fabrics? There are ongoing developments in creating aesthetically pleasing fabrics that incorporate smart yarns, allowing fabrics to see, hear, sense, communicate, store, and convert energy, regulate temperature, monitor health, and even change color. Light-responsive yarns have evolved into three generations, with the third generation featuring LED yarns with light-emitting diodes. Engineers are rapidly improving these technologies, making them more durable, washable, and suitable for underwater use. Commercial applications are already underway, showcasing the potential of these exciting products. Additionally, products such as nightfall blackout offer sound absorption, thermal regulation, fire retardancy, and antibacterial properties.

Another intriguing development is organic textiles made from fungi. Mycelium, the network of filaments forming the structure of fungi, can be cultivated within a few weeks. This branching structure of mushrooms, composed of billions of tiny cells, exhibits excellent insulation and moisture-absorbing properties. No chemical fertilizer is used and very little water, so it helps the environment. For instance, a cotton T-shirt requires more than 700 gallons of water to produce vs. 3 gallons of water to create a dress much larger using Mycelium. Mushroom leather serves as an alternative to animal leather and has attracted attention even from renowned fashion brands like Hermes. Just imagine a mushroom Birkin bag! Fungi from food wastes like bread-eating fungi and casein from milk proteins is also an experimental phase. The fact that these products are biodegradable is a huge win since fabrics are a major contributor to landfills.

While we have mentioned just a few of the remarkable advancements in textiles, it hopefully will make you aware of the multitude of options and solutions available. There are also countless of beautiful fabrics that are works of art, regardless of their performance, smart features, or fungi origins. The diverse yarns, whether woven or applied, with unexpected color combinations, are a visual and tactile delight, complemented by the artists’ custom lines enhanced by new pigmented ink that can digitally print on all fabrics. I invite you to immerse yourself in the exciting world of textiles to find just the right solution for your project from a vast and varied collection with many custom options.  Come experience 9,400 sq. ft. of this fascinating, and major part of interiors at Fabric House.