The smart sector has experienced a slow start to the year, with a sentiment score of +0.63 in H1 2024. Despite this representing a 3% decline in sentiment (+0.65 in H2 2023), the sector scored higher than the overall textiles & apparel industry, which generated a sentiment of +0.51.

In the first half of the year, positivity for the sector was generated by the return of events such as Techtextil and Texprocess, as well as the debut of the Wearables Collective in March. In addition, there has been a wave of activity in the academic and commercial spheres, both of which have contributed to a steady start for the smart sector. 

Events proved a positive influence on the sector in H1 2024. The sentiment score for this theme rose by 10%, resting on +0.76 in the first half of the year.

One event that had a significant impact was the Wearables Collective – a two-day symposium held from 25 to 26 March in California, US. A key topic during the event included user-centric and collaborative design strategies, particularly focused on how wearables are constructed and how electronics are integrated for improved comfort and usability.