Choosing Plastics for Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology [Sourcing Guide]

Table of Contents

• Types of plastic used in wearable devices
• What are smart clothing and wearable devices?
• Examples of different types of smart clothing and wearable tech
• Today’s wearable technology trends
• Selecting the best plastics for your smart clothes and wearable technology
• – Smart watches
• – Fitness trackers
• – Smart glasses
• – Wearable cameras
• – Hearing aids
• – Virtual Reality Headsets
• – Smart clothing
• Summary: The use of plastics in wearable technology
• Extra plastics resources to explore

Types of plastic used in wearable devices

• Polycarbonate (PC) – a strong, impact-resistant plastic that is often used in the housing and casing of wearable devices. It is also resistant to UV radiation and has good electrical insulation properties.
• Acetal (POM) – a strong, rigid plastic that is often used in the gears, bearings, and other moving parts of wearable devices. It has low friction and good wear resistance, making it suitable for use in mechanical components.
• TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) – a flexible, elastic plastic that is often used in the straps and bands of wearable devices. It is resistant to abrasion and has good wear resistance, making it suitable for use in components that come into contact with the skin.
• PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) – a strong, rigid plastic that is often used in the housing and casing of wearable devices. It is also resistant to UV radiation and has good electrical insulation properties.
• PA (Polyamide/Nylon) – a strong, stiff, and flexible material that is highly resistant to impact, fatigue, and chemicals, making it ideal for wearable products that require a high degree of durability and performance.
• Silicone – a flexible, elastic material that is often used in the straps and bands of wearable devices. It is resistant to heat and UV radiation, and is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for use in components that come into contact with the skin.

There are many other types of plastics that may be used in wearable devices, too, depending on the specific requirements of the device and the application.

What are smart clothing and wearable devices?

Electronics that may be worn on the body, such as jewelry, watches, glasses, or fitness trackers, are referred to as smart clothes and wearable technology or devices. These gadgets are made to do a variety of jobs, such as keeping track of physical activity, keeping an eye on vital indicators, or offering mobile computing or communication capabilities.

The use of wearable technology has the potential to alter how we interact with our environment and enhance our quality of life in a number of ways. Wearable fitness trackers, for instance, can assist users in tracking their physical activity and choosing healthier lifestyle options, while smartwatches can offer easy access to information and communication without having to take out a phone.

In the years to come, wearable technology is projected to develop and expand further. It is a new subject with a wide range of fascinating potential uses.

Examples of different types of smart clothing and wearable tech

Popular consumer electronics that incorporate wearable technology include fitness trackers and smartwatches. Wearable technology, however, is already being employed in a wide range of situations, including professional sports, consumer products, healthcare, navigation systems, and improved fabrics, thanks to recent advancements in the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI).

Here are some examples of the different types of wearable technology devices that are currently available on the market:

Today’s Wearable Technology Trends

There are several notable trends that are currently emerging or expected to become more widespread in the near future in smart clothes and wearable technology. Some of these trends include:

• Increased miniaturization: Wearable technology is becoming increasingly small and lightweight, allowing it to be integrated into a wider range of clothing and accessories.
• Improved user interfaces: The technology we wear is becoming more user-friendly, with the development of new input and output technologies that allow users to interact with the devices in more natural and intuitive ways.
• Enhanced functionality: Wearable technology is becoming more sophisticated, with the integration of more advanced sensors and processors that allow the devices to perform a wider range of functions.
• Increased use of artificial intelligence: Wearable tech is increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the devices’ performance and to enable them to adapt to the wearer’s needs and preferences.
• Greater integration with other technologies: Wearables are becoming more integrated with other technologies, such as smartphones and smart home systems, to create a more seamless and convenient user experience.
• Increased focus on health and wellness: Technology is being developed to monitor and track various aspects of the wearer’s health and wellness, such as sleep patterns, heart rate, and physical activity.
• Enhanced security and privacy: As wearable technology becomes more prevalent, there is a growing focus on ensuring that the devices are secure and that user data is protected.

Selecting the best plastics for your smart clothes and wearable technology

Now we have been through what smart clothes and wearable technology are and some of the most popular trends at the moment, let’s get into some of the best plastics that importers often select for their new devices. We’ll examine the important points of durability, comfort, ease of manufacturing, aesthetics, cost, and more for each.

One of the best-known types of smart clothes and wearable technology, smartwatches have become an almost ubiquitous part of modern life. The best plastic to use for their watch strap specifically depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Here are some factors to consider when sourcing plastics for the strap:

Durability: Some plastics are more resistant to wear and tear than others. For example, polyurethane (PU) is a durable plastic that is often used in watch straps because it is resistant to abrasions and UV light.

Comfort: The comfort of a plastic watch strap can be influenced by its flexibility, smoothness, and breathability. Soft, flexible plastics like silicone or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) may be more comfortable to wear than stiffer plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

Aesthetics: The appearance of a plastic watch strap can vary significantly depending on the material and finish. Some plastics, like acrylic, can be molded into a variety of shapes and colors, while others, like polycarbonate, are more transparent or translucent.

Cost: The cost of the strap varies a lot depending on the type of plastic used, as well as the manufacturing process and the overall quality of the strap.

Recommended plastic for watch straps include:

Polyurethane (PU) – PU is a popular choice for watch straps because it is durable and flexible, making it comfortable to wear. It also has good resistance to water, chemicals, and abrasion.

Silicone – Silicone is another commonly used material for watch straps because it is soft, comfortable, and hypoallergenic. It is also resistant to water and heat and is often seen on watches used by sportsmen and women.

Nylon – Nylon is a lightweight and strong material which makes it ideal for watch straps. It is abrasion-resistant and has good tensile strength.

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) – TPU is a flexible and durable material that is often used in sport watches. It is resistant to abrasion and chemicals.

There are a few different factors to consider when choosing plastics for a fitness tracker which can be subjected to rough treatment as the wearer works out and wears it in numerous different environments. Some key factors to consider include durability, comfort, and environmental impact.

One durable plastic that is commonly used in fitness trackers is polycarbonate (PC). This would be more suited to the watch case and the face or ‘glass’ as it is commonly referred to, as this plastic is known for its toughness and resistance to impact, making it a good choice for a device that will be subjected to wear and tear. It is also relatively lightweight, which can be important for a device that is worn on the wrist.

Another plastic that is commonly used in fitness trackers is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). TPU is a flexible and durable plastic that is resistant to abrasion, making it a good choice for the strap and the housing of a device that may be subjected to rough treatment. It is also hypoallergenic, which can be important for people with sensitive skin.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a plastic for a fitness tracker:

Durability: The materials used in a fitness tracker should be able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. This may involve choosing materials that are resistant to impact, abrasion, or other types of damage. Some durable plastics that are commonly used in fitness trackers include polycarbonate and polyurethane (PU).

Comfort: It should be comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This may involve choosing materials that are lightweight and flexible, as well as materials that do not cause irritation or allergic reactions. The comfort of a plastic fitness tracker can be influenced by its flexibility, smoothness, and breathability. Soft, flexible plastics like silicone or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) are usually more comfortable to wear than stiffer plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

Aesthetics: The materials used in a fitness tracker should be visually appealing and meet the desired design aesthetic. This may involve choosing materials with a particular color, finish, or texture. Some plastics, like acrylic, can be molded into a variety of shapes and colors, while others, like polycarbonate, are more transparent or translucent.

Environmental impact: Typical consumers of fitness products might be interested in materials that are more sustainable and have a low environmental impact. This may involve choosing materials that are biodegradable or recycled, as well as materials that are produced using eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

Cost: The cost of a plastic fitness tracker will depend on the type of plastic used, as well as the manufacturing process and the overall quality of the tracker.

Smart glasses need to look great and stand up to the rigors of being worn for hours every day; the same as regular glasses. There are also two separate needs for different plastics when it comes to glasses, the frames and the lenses. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to selecting plastics for smart glasses:

Durability: The materials used in smart glasses should be able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use as well as exposure to water and sweat. This may involve choosing materials that are resistant to impact, abrasion, sweat (salt), or other types of damage. Some durable plastics that are commonly used in smart glasses include polycarbonate and polyurethane (PU).

Comfort: Smart glasses should be comfortable to wear for long periods of time so consider choosing materials that are lightweight and flexible, as well as materials that do not cause irritation or allergic reactions. The comfort of a plastic pair of smart glasses can be influenced by their flexibility, smoothness, and breathability. Soft, flexible plastics like silicone or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) may be more comfortable to wear than stiffer plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), especially on the arms and at the bridge of the nose.

Aesthetics: Smart glasses are seen all of the time, so they should be visually appealing and meet the desired design aesthetic. This may involve choosing materials with a particular color, finish, or texture. The appearance of a plastic pair of smart glasses can vary significantly depending on the material and finish. Some plastics, like acrylic, can be molded into a variety of shapes and colors, while others, like polycarbonate, are more transparent or translucent.

Weight: The weight of the plastic used in smart glasses can impact the overall comfort of the glasses. Lighter plastics like polycarbonate or acrylic may be more comfortable to wear for long periods of time than heavier ones.

Cost: The cost of a plastic pair of smart glasses varies depending on the type of plastic used, as well as the manufacturing process and the overall quality of the glasses.

For eyeglass frames, a variety of polymers are frequently utilized, including:

Acetate is a robust, lightweight, and low-cost material that withstands impact and humidity. It usually comes in blocks or plates that are cut in CNC machines. Due to its versatility in terms of design and color, it is frequently used for eyeglass frames.

PA (Polyamide/Nylon) is a strong, stiff, and flexible material that is highly resistant to impact, fatigue, and chemicals, making it ideal for eyeglass frames that require a high degree of durability and performance.

Polycarbonate (PC) is an impact- and UV-resistant material with strength and lightness, PC is used frequently in construction. Due to its resilience, it is frequently used in children’s and sports eyeglasses.

Nylon: Nylon is durable and elastic-plastic that withstands chemicals and impact. Due to its strength and flexibility, it is frequently utilized for eyewear frames.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): Due to its strength and simplicity of manufacture, ABS is also a popular material for eyeglass frames.

Small, portable cameras known as wearable cameras are used to take still or moving pictures and can be worn on the body, such as on a shirt collar, a helmet, or a pair of eyeglasses. They are frequently used when it is uncomfortable or impossible to use a regular camera, including when recording hands-free or when taking first-person videos. Their usage in journalism, sports, and personal use is growing in popularity. No doubt everyone has seen ‘POV’ videos, where the wearer shows viewers what they’re seeing, such as new automobile models, holiday destinations, etc, in YouTube videos. These videos wouldn’t be possible without wearable cameras.

When it comes to plastic selection for wearable cameras, we need to understand the environment they will be used in, whether for surfing, snowboarding, action cameras, vlogging, or inside race cars for example. All these different activities require similar but different attributes. Some factors to consider when selecting a plastic for a wearable camera body include:

Strength: The plastic should be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use in the desired environment which could range from a concert to a jungle.

Lightweight: The plastic should be lightweight to ensure that the camera is comfortable to wear.

Durability: The plastic should be durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily use (again in the desired environment/s), such as exposure to moisture, UV radiation, and impact.

Chemical resistance: The plastic should be resistant to chemicals, such as sweat and cleaning agents, to ensure that it does not become discolored or degraded over time.

Thermal stability: The plastic should be stable at the temperature range expected to be encountered during use.

Ease of manufacturing: The plastic should be easy to work with during the manufacturing process, such as being easy to mold or machine.

Cost: The cost of the plastic should be considered in relation to the overall budget for the wearable camera.

Possible plastic options: Some plastics that may be suitable for a wearable camera body include polycarbonate, ABS, and nylon. These plastics are strong, lightweight, and durable, and are resistant to a variety of environmental factors.

As the population ages, hearing aids are becoming one of the most common and important pieces of wearable tech. But users commonly don’t want them to be too obvious and since they fit inside your ear, the plastic needs to be comfortable to wear first and foremost, after that, it is form and function. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right plastic:

Durability: The plastic used in a hearing aid should be able to withstand wear and tear, as well as exposure to water and sweat. Some durable plastics that are commonly used in hearing aids include polycarbonate and polyurethane (PU).

Comfort: The comfort of a plastic hearing aid can be influenced by its flexibility, smoothness, and breathability. Soft, flexible plastics like silicone or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) may be more comfortable to wear than stiffer plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

Aesthetics: The appearance of a plastic hearing aid can vary significantly depending on the material and finish. Some plastics, like acrylic, can be molded into a variety of shapes and colors, while others, like polycarbonate, are more transparent or translucent. Transparent or skin-tone plastics may be popular for users, and the size is also a factor in their choice, as large and bulky aids may not be favorable.

Weight: The weight of the plastic used in a hearing aid can impact the overall comfort of the device when it is worn, especially in a device like this where the user would often prefer it to be as unobtrusive as possible. Lighter plastics like polycarbonate or acrylic may be more comfortable to wear for long periods of time than heavier plastics.

Cost: The cost of plastic used in the manufacture of hearing aids will be minimal due to the size of the product itself, however, each of the plastics has its own pricing and this should be calculated into the manufacturing costs.

Possible plastic options: For the soft style hearing air, a popular material selection is a silicone as this provides comfort, and flexibility and is good for those that suffer from allergies. For the rigid style, a very common plastic is acrylic as this is easy to mold into different shapes, can be colored to match skin tones, and is durable.

It’s taken some time, but VR headsets are starting to become quite common. Whether used for gaming at home or even viewing new kitchen designs, most consumers today have been exposed to this technology.

Virtual reality (VR) headsets are typically made of a combination of plastic and other materials, such as foam padding and elastic bands, to provide a comfortable and secure fit for the wearer. The specific type of plastic used in a VR headset may vary depending on the design and intended use of the headset.

Some common types of plastic used in VR headsets include:

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): This is a strong and durable plastic that is often used in the housing and structural components of VR headsets. It is resistant to impact, temperature changes, and UV radiation.

Polycarbonate (PC): This is a strong and transparent plastic that is often used in the lenses of VR headsets. It is resistant to impact and UV radiation and is also lightweight and shatter-resistant.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): This is a lightweight and flexible plastic that is often used in the straps and elastic bands of VR headsets. It is resistant to moisture and UV radiation and has good dimensional stability.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): This is a strong and flexible plastic that is often used in the padding and cushioning of VR headsets. It is resistant to water and UV radiation and has good impact resistance.

(Image source: Businessinsider.com)

A list of smart clothes and wearable technology wouldn’t be complete without mentioning smart clothing which is designed with built-in electronic devices or technology, such as sensors, processors, and wireless connectivity. These devices allow the clothing to perform various functions, such as monitoring the wearer’s physical activity, collecting data about the wearer’s environment, and providing feedback to the wearer. Some examples of smart clothing include fitness tracker shirts, shoes with built-in sensors, and jackets with built-in touch screens.

Smart clothing has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology and with the world around us. For example, a smart shirt with sensors could be used to monitor the wearer’s heart rate, breathing rate, and other vital signs, and transmit this data to a smartphone or other device for analysis and tracking. Smart clothing could also be used to provide feedback to the wearer about their physical activity, such as by vibrating to remind the wearer to take a break or by providing encouragement to help the wearer reach their fitness goals.

Overall, smart clothing represents an exciting new area of technology with many potential applications in areas such as healthcare, fitness, and daily life.

The best plastic to use for smart clothing depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Here are some factors to consider when selecting plastics for smart clothing:

Durability: The plastic used in smart clothing should be able to withstand wear and tear, as well as exposure to water and sweat. Some durable plastics that are commonly used in smart clothing include polyester and polyurethane (PU).

Comfort: The comfort of a plastic piece of smart clothing can be influenced by its flexibility, smoothness, and breathability. Soft, flexible plastics like TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or spandex may be more comfortable to wear than stiffer plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

Stretchability: If the smart clothing is intended to be worn during physical activity, it may be beneficial to use a plastic that has good stretchability and recovery properties. Elastomers like silicone or TPU can be used to create stretchable and flexible smart clothing.

Aesthetics: The appearance of a plastic piece of smart clothing can vary significantly depending on the material and finish. Some plastics, like acrylic, can be molded into a variety of shapes and colors, while others, like polyester, are more opaque.

Cost: The cost of wearable clothes is influenced by various factors, including the materials used in their production. The selection of materials can affect the overall cost of the garment, with some materials being more expensive than others. Natural materials like silk, wool, and cotton tend to be more expensive than synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. However, the quality of the material also affects its cost, with high-quality materials costing more than lower-quality ones. Another major factor is the application – mountain rescue jackets need to be made from very durable materials that withstand the rigors of harsh environments, whereas, a ‘smart’ top with sensors would cost a lot less.

Summary: The use of plastics in wearable technology

Plastics are widely used in smart clothes and wearable technology due to their combination of strength, durability, and flexibility. They can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be customized to meet the specific requirements of the wearable technology. Plastics are also lightweight, which makes them ideal for use in devices that are worn on the body.

In addition, plastics are resistant to many environmental factors, such as moisture, UV radiation, and chemicals, which makes them well-suited for use in wearable technology that may be exposed to these conditions. Plastics are also relatively inexpensive, which makes them a cost-effective material choice for many wearable technology applications.

Examples of the use of plastics in wearable technology include smart glasses, fitness tracker bands, and smartwatches. Plastics are used in these devices for their strength, durability, and flexibility, as well as for their ability to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

The team here at Sofeast are here to help you if you have any questions about developing and manufacturing new smart clothes and wearable technology, plastic selection for it, or other production processes involved.

More plastics resources to explore

Firstly, if you have any questions about sourcing the right plastics for your smart clothes and wearable technology, please ask us any time.

You may also like these resources to help you find plastics that fulfill your needs:

• Guides and videos about thermoplastics
• How to Choose the Correct Outdoor Plastics for your next Product? (4 Guides)
• Sourcing Guides for Internal Use Plastic Mechanical Parts
• Plastic Enclosures for Electronics Projects (Plastics Sourcing Guide)
• Plastics For Blow Molding Sourcing Guide
• The Plastic Injection Molding Process
• Guide To 3D Printing Rapid Prototyping
• 9 Types of Packaging (Benefits, Costs, Sustainability, and more) guide for Importers – including plastics!