Imagine clothing that responds to our needs, adjusts to our environment, and minimizes impact on the planet. This is not science fiction; it is the future Brandix is weaving. No longer confined to aesthetics and basic comfort, clothes are evolving into intuitive enhancements. Driven by innovation and agility, Brandix is leading a revolution where sustainable fashion meets function.

What is functional clothing?

Functional clothing goes beyond simply covering our body. This is innovative apparel built for adaptability. They are specially designed to provide comfort and protection; meeting user performance demands in a variety of different ways. Working in harmony with your physiology and offering a range of benefits tailored to your needs.

In essence, it is an upgrade on traditional clothing, offering advanced performance properties that were previously reserved exclusively for athletes, military personnel, and technical workers who needed specialized gear to conquer adverse conditions. Today, functional clothing can elevate our everyday experience, keeping us comfortable and supported in many aspects of our lives.

Redefining innovative apparel

With consumer expectations rising year by year, activewear has come a long way from plain cotton tees. Functional clothing has taken center stage in the activewear and sportswear market, and its popularity is only set to soar in the coming years. Statista has projected a surge from $89 billion in 2017 to an incredible $244.6 billion by 2025.
“Brandix is not waiting on the sidelines, we are getting in the game early. We are committed to leading the charge by crafting the next generation of performance apparel through extensive research and development efforts that venture beyond the limits of current innovation.

Our journey starts with analyzing the chemical makeup of our raw materials, understanding both their strengths and limitations. It is only with in-depth knowledge that we can start to unlock their full potential. This scientific lens must be applied at a granular level, across every stage of the production process.

The innovation team at Brandix is a powerhouse of some of Sri Lanka’s brightest minds. While we use the full extent of our in-house expertise, we also partner with external specialists. This open innovation concept fosters collaboration. It allows us to strategically leverage cutting-edge technologies developed by some of the world’s leading experts, which accelerates our progress.

In this highly competitive landscape, there is always the potential for overlaps in innovation. We need to remain vigilant to protect our intellectual property. We need to stay ahead of the curve, while delivering solutions that address specific customer pain points,” says Dinush Wimalachandra, General Manager for Marketing at Brandix.

Beneath the surface: the science behind functional clothing

The human body is an amazing machine that is constantly working to maintain a stable internal temperature regardless of the external environment. This remarkable process, called thermoregulation, is essential for our well-being. When thermoregulation fails, in extreme cases, it can lead to overheating (hyperthermia) or hypothermia. Both of which can be detrimental to our health and even life-threatening.

The concept of functional clothing begins with a multi-layered design that helps regulate our body temperature and keep us comfortable in different conditions. The yarns in these fabrics utilize a combination of materials with varying hydrophilicity (water-loving) and hydrophobicity (water-repelling) properties. The specific yarn structure also plays a crucial role, influencing capillary action and the rate of moisture transfer. Each layer performs a specific function:

The three layers can be combined to complement each other or work independently, depending on the requirement.

Going beyond basic protection, the next generation of functional textiles is penetrating intelligent yarns and polymers used in the bonding and printing processes. These are not your average threads; they are precisely engineered to perform specific functions that cater to specialized needs. We achieve this by incorporating properties directly into the yarn itself. This stands in contrast to older methods that rely on surface treatments and coatings. These external finishes often deteriorate with wear and washing, leaving garments ineffective after a short period of use. By embedding functionalities within the yarn, Brandix is creating clothing that endures, delivering consistent comfort and long-lasting performance.

So, what can functional clothing really do for us?

Sweat Happens: Why moisture absorption matters in activewear

Anyone who has ever pushed themselves during a workout knows the importance of moisture-wicking clothing. A drenched t-shirt is more than just uncomfortable – it can weigh you down and even make you feel colder in certain conditions.

Brandix is exploring innovative technologies and techniques to create clothing with specific dimensions and cuts that are customized to the wearer’s body composition. One key feature is the strategic use of smart elements. For instance, mesh fabrics are incorporated in areas prone to sweat, like around the armpits. This breathable material allows for maximum moisture control. The goal is to ensure the clothing keeps up with the wearer during intense activity.

Beat the Heat: How breathability keeps you cool

Imagine the stifling feeling of a plastic bag – that is what wearing clothes with poor breathability is like. Breathability is essential in clothing because it wicks away moisture vapor from your body, preventing overheating and keeping you feeling fresh and dry during exercise. Mesh elements and ventilation cutouts are common ways to improve breathability in garments. Additionally, some fabrics can even offer both breathability and waterproof features, making them ideal for unpredictable outdoor conditions.

Race the wind: The power of aerodynamics

For athletes participating in speed-focused sports like running and cycling, every second counts. This is where aerodynamic clothing comes in. By minimizing wind resistance, these garments can significantly boost performance. The secret lies in a perfect fit: aerodynamic clothing contours seamlessly to our bodies, allowing air to flow smoothly around us rather than creating drag. This translates to less energy wasted fighting the wind, enabling us to push our limits and shave precious seconds off our timing.

Gear Up for Performance: The benefits of compression

Compression clothing offers a unique advantage for athletes and anyone seeking to optimize their workouts. These garments fit snugly around the body, promoting improved blood circulation. This translates to several benefits: increased oxygen delivery to muscles, faster recovery times, reduced swelling and pain, and improved joint and ligament support. Compression socks, shirts and leggings offer different levels of compression to cater to individual needs and activity levels.

Staying Fresh: Exploring anti-odor technologies

Anti-odor technology works by disrupting the growth and function of odor-causing bacteria on our skin. Antimicrobial fabrics have special agents embedded in the fibers or coated onto the surface. Common examples include triclosan and triclocarban, which disrupt bacteria’s cell membranes, preventing their growth. Silver coatings or silver-infused yarn also fall under this category. Silver ions released during oxidation effectively destroy bacteria. While effective at first, traditional anti-odor treatments have limitations. Chemicals used in these treatments can be harmful to the environment when released during washing. Additionally, tests show these chemicals often lose effectiveness after a few washes.

At Brandix, we are experimenting with sustainable alternatives to traditional anti-odor treatments, ensuring long-lasting odor control without compromising human health or the planet.

The next chapter is functional and smart

The future of functional clothing is certainly bright, but the road ahead will not always be smooth sailing for apparel manufacturers. New regulations and ever evolving consumer preferences are pushing companies to innovate and deliver high-performing functional products, all while keeping prices low and minimizing environmental impact. This balancing act is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry. Brandix is taking the challenge head-on by seeking innovative solutions that cater to different market segments.

Brandix is a leader in activewear and sportswear, however, our vision extends far beyond the athletic field. We are pioneering the use of functional and smart textiles in everyday clothing. Functional yarns that respond to external temperature fluctuations are currently being tested. These garments will actively regulate your body temperature, adapting to the environment to keep you comfortable all day long. This means clothes that can keep you cool on a hot day and warm on a chilly evening – all in one garment!

This versatility eliminates the need for a wardrobe overflowing with weather-specific clothing. A more streamlined wardrobe, may not only simplify our life, but also contribute to a more sustainable future by promoting circularity.

Functional clothing has come a long way, offering impressive features like moisture management and temperature regulation. However, the potential for this technology is not limited to these basic functionalities. Clothing that not only keeps you comfortable but also actively protects you: fire resistance, protection from microbes and viruses, and even light reflection are all possibilities in the realm of next-level functional clothing.

Smart clothing takes functionality a step further, blurring the lines between apparel and technology. These garments can monitor your vital signs on the go, seamlessly integrate with your wearable tech, or even adapt to your mood.

The applications of functional clothing are only just beginning to unfold, promising a future where our garments actively elevate our experiences. At Brandix, our commitment to textile innovation positions us as leaders in shaping this exciting world. We are dedicated in pushing the boundaries of science and technology, developing revolutionary solutions that redefine our relationship with clothing. As technology and innovation continue their rapid evolution, we can envision a world where our garments transform from passive coverings into intelligent companions, actively enhancing our comfort, performance, and overall well-being.

Authored by Kamaya de Soysa