FutureFinders: Going multifunctional yet fancy with techwear

Click for more heated clothing

FutureFinders spots key emerging trends and the products on Global Sources that drive these trends.

The first FutureFinders episode focused on the latest developments in the ever-evolving world of fashion.

Watch FutureFinders Fashion

We have already taken a closer look at two big trends: functional fashion as epitomized by the little bag that could, the , and in fashion.

Next, we examine techwear, a new term that is rapidly rising in popularity in the industry. Techwear is “clothing that serves a purpose over and above simply covering your body”, according to Fashion Windows.

Fashion Windows cited heat insulation as one of the purposes of techwear, and that's exactly what a growing number of Global Sources Verified Suppliers have set their R&D sights on.

Take as an example this heated women's jacket from iGift. It uses carbon fiber and is embedded with proprietary tech called Wrap.

The jacket is powered by lithium batteries. MOQ is 20 pieces while delivery lead time is between seven and 14 days.

This cordless heated men's jacket, on the other hand, has four heating apparatus concealed within the jacket. Heat is given off in three levels. The jacket is from Zhejiang Orient.

Another heated jacket from iGift is made of polar fleece and has detachable sleeves. Other material options include cotton, polyester, mesh and interlock.

Dalian Jinyuan infused this athleisure jacket with heat insulation and smart tech, allowing the product to pair up with a mobile app for temperature control.

Techwear, however, is not all about function as it also allows designers to add a touch of whimsy and flair to their creations.

Click for more details about Seekas’ LED scarf

This is best seen in the use of LEDs in fashion such as the latest iteration of Balenciaga's Track Trainer, which has an LED embedded in the heel.

Verified Suppliers on GlobalSources.com, meanwhile, are incorporating LEDs in a wide and varied selection of fashion accessories.

Seekas' fur scarf, for instance, has an 8-color RGB LED strip built into it. The party scarf features four different lighting modes and changes colors automatically. It runs on a rechargeable Li-polymer battery.

LEDs make this pair of gloves from Quanzhou Bonswill suitable for street dancing. The gloves flash six different styles, and can last 10 to 20 hours on constant flash mode.

Christmas is all about sparkly lights and this knitted bonnet from Hong Jing fits the bill. The bonnet comes in a different Christmas designs and is made of acrylic.

Christmas bonnets are not the only type of headgear bitten by the LED bug. This bright pink statement piece from Jinjiang Jiaxing resembles a fedora and uses paillettes with diodes. It is designed for children and is made of polyester.

The products featured here are just a few of the hundreds of tech-infused apparel and fashion accessories on GlobalSources.com, the go-to for the best sourcing experience, which starts with .

Supplier evaluation is no joke, especially in this day and age where almost any enterprising individual can claim to be a manufacturer by simply building a website.

This is where Global Sources , offering supplier prescreening services to reduce sourcing risks.

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