The next ten years hold tremendous potential for technical textiles to make a difference in various industries and sectors. From revolutionizing healthcare and enhancing personal safety to driving sustainability and transforming transportation, these advanced textiles are at the forefront of innovation. As research and development continue to push boundaries, we can expect to see groundbreaking applications that improve our lives and address global challenges.

In contrast, the apparel industry is rapidly accelerating in its adoption of new technologies and best practices from other industries. While outsourcing product development can be a best practice, a resource many other industries have successfully utilized, apparel brands still have a slow acceptance rate of this best practice. Why?

Competitive Research is crucial to understanding your brand’s competition in the market. As categories converge together and technology and innovation are making other industries and markets more easily accessible it is important to expand competitive research beyond just direct competitors to have a holistic view.