The apparel industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by social responsibility and rise in e-commerce, and growing importance of technologies such as new manufacturing techniques, automation, and artificial intelligence. 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 Environmental sustainability in apparel: breathable fabrics. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which uses over 41,000 patents to analyze innovation intensity for the apparel industry, there are 20+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Breathable fabrics are a key innovation area in environmental sustainability
Breathable fabrics make it easy for moisture and air to pass through, improving temperature regulation, moisture, and sweat reduction in the garment. They are prominently used in sportswear and activewear to improve performance and comfort 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 60+ 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. Some other key patent filers in the space include Wacoal and Under Armour.
NIKE’s select range of Dri-FIT ADV Fly activewear is made from 75% recycled polyester combined with highly breathable fabric comprising advanced sweat-wicking technology, ensuring the wearer’s body cools down or warms up based on its temperature.
In terms of application diversity, Berkshire Hathaway leads the pack, while Under Armour and W. L. Gore stood in the second and third positions, respectively.
By means of geographic reach, FALKE leads the pack, followed by Berkshire Hathaway and Hanesbrands.
Innovation in the field is concentrated on making garments with breathable fabrics, that are lighter for better performance, while also using sustainably sourced or recycled fabrics to make the products environmentally friendly.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the apparel industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Environmental Trends in Retail and 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.
