The apparel industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by rise in e-commerce, convenience, and data analytics, and growing importance of technologies such as block chain, artificial intelligence, innovative manufacturing techniques and automation. In the last three years alone, there have been over 2,600 patents filed and granted in the apparel industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Innovation in apparel: breathable fabrics. Buy the report here.
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However, not all innovations are equal and nor do they follow a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution takes the form of an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical lifecycle from early emergence to accelerating adoption, before finally stabilizing and reaching maturity.
Identifying where a particular innovation is on this journey, especially those that are in the emerging and accelerating stages, is essential for understanding their current level of adoption and the likely future trajectory and impact they will have.
20+ innovations will shape the apparel industry
According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which plots the S-curve for the apparel industry using innovation intensity models built on over 41,000 patents, there are 20+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Within the emerging innovation stage, reflective fabrics and body measurements AI are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. Insulated composite fabrics, e-textiles, and personalized lookbooks are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing. Among maturing innovation areas are wearable computers and breathable fabrics, which are now well established in the industry.
Innovation S-curve for the apparel industry
Breathable fabrics are a key innovation area in apparel
Breathable fabrics are materials that allow air and moisture to pass through, making them comfortable and well-ventilated for the wearer. The fabrics are designed to reduce perspiration by regulating the body temperature. Breathable fabrics are commonly used in sportswear, outdoor apparel, and activewear to improve overall comfort and performance levels of the wearer.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 65 companies, spanning technology vendors, established apparel companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of breathable fabrics.
Key players in breathable fabrics – a disruptive innovation in the apparel industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to breathable fabrics
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
NIKE is one of the leading patent filers in breathable fabrics. Nike’s Dri-FIT fabric is made using smart polyesters designed for breathability and moisture control. The microfiber supports the body’s natural cooling system, which wicks sweat away thereby helping the wearer stay dry and focused during intense physical activities. Some other key patent filers in the space include Wacoal and Under Armour.
In terms of application diversity, Berkshire Hathaway leads the pack, while Under Armour and W. L. Gore are in the second and third positions, respectively.
By means of geographic reach, FALKE held the top position, followed by Berkshire Hathaway and Hanesbrands.
Breathable fabrics have a promising future as the research on advanced fabrics progresses. With demand for athleisure and sportswear on the rise, more apparel makers are expected to shift towards using breathable fabrics that will provide more comfort to the wearer.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the apparel industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Apparel.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
