Startup makes shape-shifting jacket prototype

Startup company Skyscrape plans to makes clothing that naturally adapts to the temperature of both the wearer and the environment with yarn that changes shape as temperatures change, becoming thicker as temperatures drop, which provides more insulation and comfort to the wearer.

The company reports that active yarns in the fabric expand and contract and, in the process, bend, which increases or decreases the thickness of the fabric. The fabric itself acts as a thermometer, without wires or sensors.

The team of researchers, designers, engineers, weavers and knitters has incorporated their knowledge gained from the small swatches woven by hand on a loom into a prototype jacket. The active fabric jacket prototype is designed as outerwear for the city. Skyscrape is finalizing designs for a 2020 product launch.  

Skyscrape was born out of a vision to create clothing so thermally comfortable that it would impact the energy used in heating and cooling buildings. To view a video of the technology, visit https://www.skyscrape.us/.