Goodbye smartwatch, hello smart clothing? The smart future of blank apparel Blank apparel is still on the rise. That’s good news in these turbulent times with shifting markets, uncertain geopolitics and a fast-approaching technology boom. But that’s no reason to sit back and relax. The future is coming and we have to be ready. So how can we prepare (for better or worse)? One emerging trend in clothing is smart apparel, technology integrated in garments. This trend will apparently spread to blank apparel in the coming years. Are you ready for the next revolution?
A ccording to a study by market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% over the next decade, expanding from $ 7.8 billion in 2025 to $ 17.4 billion by 2035. Between 2020 and 2024, the industry grew steadily thanks to rising demand for custom clothing and the rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. Unbranded apparel gained significantly more preference among both consumers and companies Future Market Insights Inc. (May 2025) the blank apparel because of its practical, multifunctional use and easy personalisation options. Looking ahead to 2035, the industry is expected to continue its rapid expansion. One of the reasons for this positive outlook according to Future Market Insights, is the development of smart blank apparel. Smart apparel: what is it? Smart apparel refers to garments that integrate technology, such as sensors and connectivity features, to monitor or interact with the wearer or the
environment. In essence, smart clothing can offer the same features we now associate with wearables (smartwatches, fitness trackers and smart glasses) and typically falls into three categories: • Passive smartwear, which monitors information; • Active smartwear, which both gathers and responds to information; • Ultra-smartwear, which uses AI to interpret and fine-tune feedback in real time. Don’t hold your sweat MIT’s knitted textile research shows that enabling smart functionalities in clothing doesn’t compromise comfort or usability, a key factor for real-world adoption. Another big advantage lies in the garment’s full-body coverage, which greatly improves measurement accuracy. It also enables the tracking of vital organs and skin conditions, opening new doors for biofeedback
technologies. Can you imagine wearing a shirt that cools you down the moment you start sweating on a hot summer’s day? The future of clothing might just do that, and more.
What to expect in the near future?
In the near future, sports brands are likely to reach early adopters by embedding smart technologies into their collections. Both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts are willing to invest in tools that enhance performance, making this a promising path to explore. Further ahead, continued technological progress will open up new opportunities for a wider range of consumers, expanding the market far beyond the sports segment. As Future Market Insights points out, blank apparel will undoubtedly benefit from the integration of smart clothing between now and 2035. That’s why we’re keeping a close eye on the market. So stay tuned and keep track of our updates.
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