A study has revealed millennials – people born between 1981–1996 – adopt interactive smart textiles based on their prior technology experiences.

Undertaken at Nottingham Trent University and led by PhD candidate Ramona Cristina Cook, the study redefines how we understand adoption of wearable electronics and addresses the main challenges facing the sector, in terms of consumer demand.

Cook said: “I wanted to know, mainly, why these products are not being adopted. When you look at the market forecasts everyone is saying it’s going to expand, but I couldn’t see any evidence of that.”

The ‘Smart Fabrics - Global Strategic Business Report’ valued the global market at an estimated US$6.1bn in 2023 and is anticipating it will reach US$23.1bn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 20.9% from 2023 to 2030.

The report said the smart fabrics market is being driven by several factors. Increasing consumer interest in health and fitness is the primary driver, followed by technological advancements in sensors and wireless connectivity, demands in the healthcare sector and the fashion industry’s embrace of functional properties and personalisation. Additionally, strategic initiatives by market players, including research and development investments, partnerships, and market expansion efforts, are fostering innovation and driving growth.