A dynamically configurable wetsuit includes a torso part having a pair of partial arm sleeves and a pair of partial leg pants. A distal end of each of the pair of partial arm sleeves and the pair of partial leg pants has a first connector that includes a set of outward-facing ridges. The wetsuit further includes a pair of arm parts and a pair of leg parts. Each of the pair of arm parts and the pair of leg parts having a second connector at a proximal end for detachable connection with one of the first connectors of the torso part, each second connector including a set of inward-facing ridges. The wetsuit further includes a fastener system to maintain a connection between the first and second connectors.

Fabrics made for apparel, tents, sleeping bags and the like, in various composites, constructed such that there is at least one metal layer, forming a radiant barrier to reduce heat loss via radiation from the human body, and insulating this metal layer from heat loss via conduction, and a process for its manufacture.

Aspects herein are directed to a textile, and garments produced from the textile, having one or more insulation zones and one or more pile zones where the pile zones seamlessly extend from the insulation zones. The textile includes a first woven layer, a second woven layer, and a nonwoven layer positioned between the first and second woven layers. In the insulation zone, the first woven layer, the second woven layer, and the nonwoven layer are unaffixed from each other. In the pile zone, fibers/filaments from the nonwoven layer are entangled with fibers, filaments and yarns from each of the first woven layer and the second woven layer.

Apparatus, systems and methods related to convertible garments for multiple uses. In one illustrative embodiment, one exemplary convertible garment may include a multilayered textile body having a central opening, which can be arranged in a first conformation to serve as an insulated jacket or poncho that features a hood disposed at the central opening, and, may include hand-warming and security pockets and a yoke with a closeable recess. Such a convertible garment can be arranged in a second conformation to serve as an insulated ground cloth and reversed to serve as a protective cover or blanket. The garment may feature an attached storage pouch that is stowed in the yoke recess in the first and second conformations. In a third conformation, the garment may be folded and stowed in the storage pouch to serve as a vented cushion.

A garment has an excellent feel as well as cold protective properties and waterproof breathable performance. The garment includes a multi-layer woven fabric comprising a face-side fabric, a back-side fabric, a filling packed between the face-side fabric and the back-side fabric, and a waterproof breathable membrane, the face-side fabric and the back-side fabric being woven together to form the multi-layer woven fabric, the waterproof breathable membrane being provided on one surface of the multi-layer woven fabric.

A method for manufacturing a closed porous composite material includes 1) preparing a mixture that has 30 to 70 parts by weight of water-dispersed resin, 10 to 300 parts by weight of unexpanded thermal expansion microspheres, and 100 to 550 parts by weight of water, and stirring the mixture thoroughly; 2) preparing a carrier; 3) coating the carrier with the mixture acquired in step 1; 4) heating the carrier so that the unexpanded thermal expansion microspheres expand; and 5) repeating steps 3 and 4 multiple times to acquire a closed porous composite material. The closed porous composite material has a large number of closed cavities and polymer walls separating the closed cavities. The closed cavity is 20 μm to 800 μm in size. The ratio of a total volume of the closed cavities to a total volume of the polymer walls is greater than 16.

Methods and associated light management system variously provide protection of at least UPF 50, a cooling effect, a shading effect, a warming effect and a source for a photovoltaic device. A textile material absorb incident spectrum including one or more of a UV wavelength, a visible wavelength, and a near infrared wavelength and spontaneously emits light having an emission spectrum including visible light radiation and near infrared radiation. The textile material and associated articles have a high degree of UV blocking property due to strong absorption in the UV range. In addition, the spontaneous emission releases most of the absorbed energy and, therefore, the textile material remains relatively cool under sunlight, the shading effect. Furthermore, the strong spontaneous emission allows for shielding properties even when the apparel is made from otherwise sheer knit or weave structure. Associated application methods and manufacture methods are also disclosed.

Fabrics made for apparel, tents, sleeping bags and the like, in various composites, constructed such that there is at least one metal layer, forming a radiant barrier to reduce heat loss via radiation from the human body, and insulating this metal layer from heat loss via conduction, and a process for its manufacture.

An article of apparel is disclosed that includes zones with a textile having a structure than changes or is otherwise modified by a physical stimulus, such as the presence of water or a temperature change, to modify a property of the textile. The zones may be along a center back area and/or side areas of the apparel, and the textile may increase in air permeability when exposed to water. In some embodiments, slits are formed in the textile.

An article of apparel is disclosed that includes zones with a textile having a structure than changes or is otherwise modified by a physical stimulus, such as the presence of water or a temperature change, to modify a property of the textile. The zones may be along a center back area and/or side areas of the apparel, and the textile may increase in air permeability when exposed to water. In some embodiments, slits are formed in the textile.