E-textiles, also known as smart textiles or electronic textiles, are fabrics that have been developed with new technologies that provide functionality beyond simple clothing. E-textiles can sense, display and store information and can include features like heating/cooling elements, lighting and even medical monitoring. The growing interest in wearables and the demand for fitness and health tracking devices have accelerated the growth of the e-textiles market. E-textiles find applications in fashion & entertainment, healthcare, sports & fitness, and military among others.

The Global E-textiles Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 6.45 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the Global E-textiles Market are Alphabet, DuPont, Jabil, Sensoria, AIQ Smart Clothing, Adidas, Interactive Wear, Hexoskin, Gentherm, Outlast Technologies, Clothing+, Bally Ribbon Mills, ADETEXS, Embro Tech.

The growing popularity of the Internet of Things and continuous advancements in electronic components are creating numerous opportunities for development and commercialization of new intelligent textile products. The incorporation of e-textiles into everyday apparel is expected to revolutionize the wearables industry.

Several companies are strategically expanding their Global E-Textiles Market Demand reach through partnerships and joint ventures. For instance, Alphabet has partnered with Levi’s to launch Trucker Jacket which contains Jacquard tags providing touch and gesture control over smart phones. Emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America are expected to fuel the global expansion of e-textiles market over the forecast period.

Market Drivers

Increased demand for healthcare monitoring systems is a key driver for the e-textiles market. E-textiles can be integrated into clothing to monitor vital signs like ECG, oxygen saturation etc. allowing for continuous health tracking. The rising incidence of chronic diseases and growing geriatric population is expected to further accelerate adoption of smart clothing with medical alert and diagnostic capabilities. Rapid technological advancements enabling integration of miniaturized electronic components into textile substrates is also boosting the e-textiles market growth.

PEST Analysis

Political: There are no major regulations for e-textiles currently which enables innovations in the technology. Although privacy regulations may affect how user data from e-textiles can be stored and shared.
Economic: Increasing disposable incomes globally is driving demand for technologically advanced products like e-textiles. Lower costs of electronics is also supporting the market growth.
Social: Younger generations are more open to incorporating technology into daily lives which is increasing acceptance of e-textiles. Wearables are becoming fashionable which is also a positive social trend.
Technological: Continued advances in areas like miniaturization, flexible electronics, and battery technologies are enhancing capabilities of e-textiles. Connectivity with smartphones and cloud also expanding potential applications.

The North American region accounts for the largest share of the global e-textiles market in terms of value currently. This can be attributed to strong presence of key players and rising investments into research and development activities in the region. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. Factors such as increasing disposable incomes, large population, growing textiles industry and emerging technological hubs in countries like China, India driving the market in Asia Pacific.

Geographical Regions of Concentration

The North American region currently accounts for the largest share of the global e-textiles market in terms of value. This can be attributed to strong presence of key players and rising investments into research and development activities.

Fastest Growing Region

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. Factors such as increasing disposable incomes, large population, growing textiles industry and emerging technological hubs in countries like China, India driving the market in Asia Pacific.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.