Intelligent and electronic textile materials for adaptive apparel: Innovations, functional design, and future directions

The increasing demand for adaptive apparel solutions tailored to the needs of the aging population and individuals with disabilities is a key driver in the advancement of intelligent and electronic textiles (e-textiles). These sophisticated materials integrate sensing, actuation, information processing, and artificial intelligence to create dynamically adaptive apparel that caters to individual human needs. Unlike simple, passive adaptive apparel, e-textiles enable real-time physiological monitoring, facilitate adaptive thermoregulation, enhance mobility, and support communication. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of emerging technologies in intelligent and e-textile designs, presented through a functional approach to adaptive apparel. Illustrative applications include apparel-based textile sensors for real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, actuated textiles for movement and mobility assistance, and smart textiles capables of translating sign language into spoken language. Furthermore, the review identifies emerging machine learning applications that can be integrated directly onto wearable devices to predict future fall events and deliver personalized health feedback. The paper also addresses critical challenges in the manufacturing design of e-textiles, such as ensuring comfort, washability, durability, data privacy, cost-effectiveness, and a strong focus on user-centered design, to ensure they can withstand the rigors of daily use. Besides, this review underscores the importance of multidisciplinary research that synergistically combines textiles, electronics, and human-centered design principles to develop ethical and environmentally responsible products. Finally, this review aims to guide the creation of inclusive wearable technologies that empower vulnerable populations, alleviate caregiver burdens, promote social integration, and ultimately contribute to equitable solutions for aging and disability.