As humanoid robots move closer to becoming part of everyday life, Hanes Industries is preparing for what could be the next frontier in fashion—clothing designed specifically for robots. The company unveiled its innovative humanoid clothing concepts at the Textile Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, signaling a bold step toward creating a new apparel category tailored for AI-powered humanoids.
The showcase featured futuristic clothing designed for various humanoid applications, including educational assistants, elderly care robots, industrial workers, and exercise-support robots. Through interactive displays and demonstrations, Hanes Industries highlighted how clothing technology traditionally developed for humans could evolve to meet the unique functional requirements of robots.
Speaking at the event, Kim Ik-hwan, Vice Chairman of Hanes Industries, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and future technologies.
“Hanes Industries has always been driven by a spirit of pioneering new opportunities. After adopting 3D design and artificial intelligence technologies, we believe the next major transformation will come from humanoid robots becoming part of daily life,” Kim said.
Unlike conventional apparel, humanoid clothing requires specialized engineering. While humans have skin and natural flexibility, robots incorporate sensors, batteries, charging ports, and mechanical joints that demand customized garment solutions. Hanes Industries’ research and development team has focused on integrating advanced functional textile technologies to address these requirements.
The prototypes showcased at the event incorporated cooling fabrics, ventilation systems, and flexible materials to manage heat generated by robotic components. Open structures were introduced around high-temperature joints, while elastic and durable fabrics were used around shoulders, knees, and other movement-intensive areas. Easy-access closures using magnetic and snap systems were also developed to simplify maintenance and battery replacement.
According to Son Ji-yeon, Director of Hanes Industries’ R&D Center, humanoid robots generate significantly more heat than humans, creating new challenges for apparel designers.
“People often assume robots can simply wear human clothing, but humanoids require entirely different design considerations. We are applying our expertise in functional apparel to create garments that enhance performance, cooling, and accessibility,” she explained.
The company believes the humanoid market could expand faster than many expect. As technological advancements continue and manufacturing costs decline, humanoid robots are becoming increasingly accessible for households, factories, logistics centers, healthcare facilities, and service industries.
Vice Chairman Kim pointed out that humanoid robot prices in China have already dropped to approximately $20,000, suggesting broader adoption may be closer than anticipated.
“As humanoids become commercially viable across industries and homes, a completely new market for specialized clothing will emerge. We want Hanes Industries to be among the first companies ready to serve that market,” he added.
The event concluded with a humanoid robot dressed in Hanes-designed apparel performing a dance routine to K-pop star G-Dragon’s song “Power,” offering attendees a glimpse into the potential fusion of robotics, fashion, and entertainment.
Hanes Industries confirmed that the initiative will continue beyond the exhibition. The company plans to conduct ongoing research into humanoid apparel technologies and release annual updates on future clothing trends, materials, and functionality.
As artificial intelligence and robotics continue to reshape industries worldwide, Hanes Industries is positioning itself at the intersection of fashion and technology, exploring what people—and robots—may wear in the future.
