# Flexible Smart Shirts Rice University Researchers are Exploring the Use of Carbon Nanotube Fiber By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2021-09-01 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-smart-shirts References: [designtaxi](https://designtaxi.com/news/415545/Smart-Shirts-Are-Literal-Wearables-That-Could-Replace-Your-Watch-As-A-Tracker/) Researchers at [Rice University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Meta-NFS) are exploring the possibilities of working with [carbon nanotube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carbon-nanotube-heated-blanket) (CNT) fiber in clothing and it has the potential to create flexible smart shirts that cancel out the need for other kinds of wearable devices. The non-intrusive design is so soft and flexible that it can be woven right into cotton shirts and it stays conductive enough to function as an [electrocardiogram monitor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vital-belt). Thanks to the use of this technology, the fiber has the potential to be worked into endless applications, especially for medical and athletic purposes. Once connected to electrodes, the CNT fiber could be used to record a user's vitals and provide valuable insights for the purposes of health, training or much more. The researchers are partnering with a company to turn the fiber into weave bundles that can then be stitched into clothing. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Flexible Smart Clothing:** The use of CNT fiber in clothing creates a non-intrusive design that can function as an electrocardiogram monitor and has endless potential applications in the medical and athletic industries. - **Non-intrusive Wearables:** CNT fiber could replace the need for other wearable devices, providing a comfortable and flexible way to monitor vitals and other health metrics for medical and athletic purposes. - **Wearable Technology Integration:** CNT fiber demonstrates the potential to integrate technology directly into clothing, providing a new platform for the development of wearable technology beyond traditional devices. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Medical:** The use of CNT fiber in clothing has the potential to revolutionize the medical industry, providing a non-intrusive way to monitor vitals and other health metrics. - **Athletic:** CNT fiber in clothing could provide athletes with a comfortable way to monitor vitals and adjust training accordingly, revolutionizing the athletic industry. - **Textile Manufacturing:** Manufacturers could create new products and applications by integrating CNT fiber into textiles, potentially leading to a new subcategory of textiles for tech integration. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Thermal Stress-Monitoring Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mij-technology.md) - [Stretchable Sweat-Activated Yarn Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yarn-battery.md) - [Sleep Disorder-Detecting Pajamas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-pajama-top.md) - [Crowdfunded Graphene-Infused Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graftek-basics.md) - [Lightweight Helmet Liners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helmet-liner.md) - [Adaptable Anti-Odor T-Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wellen-patinatech-tshirt.md) - [Hydrophobic Technical Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/technical-tee.md) - [Connected Monitoring Bandages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wound-bandage.md) - [Belt-Based Wearable Sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vital-belt.md)