Nanotechnology Can Create Tomorrow's Clothing . . . Today!

A few weeks ago, my brother and I were perusing the Glendale Galleria. He had been told by a friend to check out the UNIQLO location that recently opened, so we took a peek inside. While I did purchase an excessive number of socks that afternoon, the most interesting merchandise was their HEATTECH clothing line. It was advertised in the store as being clothing with technology built in. These garments are intended to keep the wearer warm. The description in their website reads “the moisture-wicking fabric retains heat and also features anti-odor properties to keep you feeling fresh even when you sweat. Camellia oil moisturizer adds comfort for dry skin.”

Obviously, there is a lot going on here. According to UNIQLO, these garments are moisture-wicking, keep you warmer than average clothes, keep themselves free of body odor, AND keep your skin moisturized. Some of the garments are even advertised as reducing static electricity. My initial reaction was that this seemed a bit outlandish. However, after some research, I concluded that this could be possible.

Garments are currently on the market from other manufacturers that resist body odor. These garments are often available from manufacturers of sports apparel, because athletes sweat when they engage in sports or training. These garments incorporate silver nanoparticles. The idea of using silver as an antimicrobial is not new. The FDA actually approved the use of silver solution for such use in the 1920s.

As far as moisture wicking is concerned, I learned that fabrics such as cotton, linen, and wool are better for breathability than synthetic fabrics. However, these fabrics absorb the sweat, making them wet. modern wicking fabrics are made from polyester blends that pull the moisture away from the body, through the fabric to the exterior of the garment, were the moisture can be evaporated more easily.

When it comes to UNIQLO’s main claim, I learned that nanotechnology can make fabrics warmer. There is a material called aerogel that can be used across a number of applications to keep heat in, from home insulation to fabrics. These nanoparticles are interspersed with nanopores. These pores are filled with air, creating a highly-effective insulator in a relatively thin material.

The most ridiculous part was the idea that this clothing could help my skin stay healthy. However, after researching, I learned that other companies are doing similar things to their clothes. I learned that About uses “softening beeswax, cooling silk proteins and moisturising and soothing aloe vera” in their garments.

 Whether or not UNIQLO's products actually deliver on their claims is one thing, but the potential for such a garment to exist is technically possible.

Works Cited

Boysen, Earl, and Nancy C. Muir. "Nano-weight Clothing That Keeps You Warmer." - For Dummies. For Dummies, n.d. Web. <http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/nanoweight-clothing-that-keeps-you-warmer.html>.

Bryant, Charles W. "Which Clothing Materials Reduce Sweating?" HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks, 26 Sept. 2010. Web. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/men/sweating-odor/clothing-materials-reduce-sweating.htm>.

Magazine, Emily Dawes For You. "Fashion Forward: The New Season's Cleverest Clothes ." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers, 10 Jan. 2015. Web. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2900438/Fashion-Forward-new-season-s-cleverest-clothes.html>.

"Men HEATTECH | UNIQLO." Men HEATTECH | UNIQLO. UNIQLO, n.d. Web. <http://www.uniqlo.com/us/men/heattech.html>.

Siauw, Winnie. "Illumin - Silver Nanoparticles: A Valuable Weapon in Microbial Warfare." Illumin - Silver Nanoparticles: A Valuable Weapon in Microbial Warfare. University of Southern California, 04 Dec. 2011. Web. <http://illumin.usc.edu/244/silver-nanoparticles-a-valuable-weapon-in-microbial-warfare/>.