# Is Your Shirt Genetically Modified? By Jacqueline Biggs | Published 2006-05-28 | Science Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/is-your-shirt-genetically-modified References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/science/16side.html?ex=1305432000&en=01b994cbe1113fa5&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss) Admittedly the shirt genome has yet to be mapped, and the heritability of sleeve length is not widely accepted in either the textile or molecular biology community. That doesn't mean there are no genes being fiddled with in the making of that [oxford cloth button down](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ten-thousand-versatile-shirt-20). [Genetically modified cotton](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genetic-marker), also known as Bt, or transgenic, cotton, is grown all over the world and is present in unknown numbers and styles of garments. Many consumers want food that is made from [GM plants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supima-pique-collection) labelled at the very least, so they know what they are getting. And yet, what is more personal? Corn? Or shirts? Well, perhaps corn. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Genetically Modified Cotton:** The use of genetically modified cotton in garment production presents opportunities for innovative, sustainable and cost-effective textile manufacturing. - **Consumer Demand for Transparency:** The increasing consumer demand for transparency in product labeling creates opportunities for brands to differentiate themselves by providing clear information about the genetic modification of textiles. - **Integration of Molecular Biology and Textile Industry:** The integration of molecular biology techniques and the textile industry opens up possibilities for groundbreaking advancements in fabric quality, performance, and customization. ### Where This Applies - **Textile Manufacturing:** The textile manufacturing industry can leverage genetically modified cotton to develop innovative fabrics with improved characteristics and greater sustainability. - **Fashion and Apparel:** The fashion and apparel sector can capitalize on consumer demand for transparency by offering GM-labeled garments and incorporating sustainable practices. - **Biotechnology:** The biotechnology industry can explore the intersection of molecular biology and textiles to create disruptive innovations in fabric production and modification. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Grown Microbial-Woven Fabrics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-fabric.md) - [Adaptable Anti-Odor T-Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wellen-patinatech-tshirt.md) - [Unique T-Shirt Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airknitx-tshirt.md) - [Biobased Clothing Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/c-collection.md) - [Rugged Athlete-Approved Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ten-thousand-versatile-shirt-20.md) - [Understated Linen Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/organic-linen-shirt-dress.md) - [Cotton Tee Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/his-white-tshirt.md) - [Innovative Genetic Markers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genetic-marker.md) - [Biodesign-Backed Dresses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gozen-x-beymen.md)