Smart yarns are one of the most significant innovations in contemporary knitwear. These are not passing trends, but advanced technologies developed by global leaders in the textile industry, used in sportswear, medical textiles, military gear, outdoor apparel and high-performance fashion.
From conductive yarns derived from noble metals to thermoregulating systems developed for aerospace missions, and high-performance recycled nylon, knitwear has now become a true field of textile engineering.
1. Conductive Yarns – Real Example: Shieldex® (Statex, Germany)
Conductive yarns are created through metal coatings (silver, copper, stainless steel) applied to fibres while maintaining flexibility and comfort. These yarns can conduct electricity without altering the feel of the garment.
Real-world example
Shieldex®, produced by Statex, is one of the most widely used families of pure silver-coated yarns.
It is currently used in:
- garments with embedded biometric sensors (ECG, heart rate, respiration)
- smart garments for fitness (Sensoria®, Hexoskin®)
- professional touchscreen gloves
- heated knitwear for skiing, outdoor use and motorcycling
- medical and rehabilitation applications
These yarns make it possible to turn a knit garment into a wearable electronic device.
2. Thermoregulating Yarns – Real Example: Outlast® (PCM, NASA Technology)
Thermoregulating yarns use Phase Change Materials (PCM): microcapsules that store or release heat depending on body temperature.
Real-world example
Outlast®, originally developed for NASA, is one of the most established PCM technologies in technical knitwear.
The PCM microcapsules inside the yarn:
- absorb heat when body temperature rises
- release heat when temperature falls
- maintain a stable thermal comfort level
Outlast® is used in:
- technical underwear
- performance knitwear
- gloves and socks for high activity
- outdoor and mountain apparel
It acts like a natural “micro-climate system” integrated into the yarn.
3. Antibacterial Yarns – Real Example: Q-SKIN® (Fulgar, Italy)
Many smart yarns use metallic ions with antibacterial properties to reduce bacterial growth, odours and skin irritation.
Real-world example
Q-SKIN® is a nylon 6 fibre produced by Fulgar, where silver ions are embedded directly into the polymer, not only applied on the surface.
This ensures:
- long-lasting antibacterial action
- performance that does not wash off
- improved hygiene and freshness
It is widely used in:
- technical socks
- seamless underwear
- activewear and athleisure
- professional knitwear
One of the most reliable antimicrobial yarn technologies in Europe.
4. Breathable / Hydrophobic Yarns – Real Example: Dryarn® (Aquafil, Italy)
Hydrophobic yarns are engineered to move moisture quickly away from the skin, keeping the body dry during intense activity.
Real-world example
Dryarn®, produced by Aquafil, is a high-performance polypropylene yarn that is:
- lighter than water
- extremely hydrophobic
- highly abrasion-resistant
- thermally insulating
It is commonly used in:
- technical base layers for running
- cycling and triathlon apparel
- seamless knitwear for winter sports
- performance socks
A benchmark material in premium sportswear.
5. High-Resistance Yarns – Real Example: Dyneema® (DSM, Netherlands)
Some smart yarns are engineered for extreme mechanical resistance and durability.
Real-world example
Dyneema® is an UHMWPE yarn known as the strongest fibre in the world:
- up to 15× stronger than steel (weight for weight)
- floats on water
- extremely lightweight
In knitwear, it is used for:
- motorcycle apparel
- cut-resistant gloves and industrial PPE
- extreme sports (climbing, sailing)
- reinforced technical garments
A highly engineered material used in military and professional equipment.
6. Eco-Smart Yarns – Real Example: ECONYL® (Aquafil)
Performance and sustainability can coexist: many smart yarns are designed with circularity in mind.
Real-world example
ECONYL®, also from Aquafil, is a 100% regenerated nylon 6 made from:
- abandoned fishing nets
- industrial carpet waste
- textile production scraps
Its performance matches virgin nylon but with drastically reduced environmental impact.
Used in:
- fashion knitwear
- luxury collections
- swimwear
- technical sportswear
A flagship example of high-performance circular materials.
Conclusion
Smart yarns are not abstract concepts but real, certified, industrial technologies used every day in technical knitwear and performance fashion. From electrical conductivity to temperature management, from extreme durability to advanced sustainability, these yarns are reshaping how garments are designed and produced.
The knitwear of today — and especially tomorrow — will be increasingly technical, intelligent and high-performance, thanks to the innovations brought by leading companies in the materials sector.