Advances in conductive fibres, AI sensors and flexible electronics accelerate growth in connected sportswear and intelligent apparel.
Artificial intelligence, conductive textiles and embedded sensors are reshaping the global sportswear industry by enabling garments to collect and analyse performance data in real time. Supported by advances in textile engineering and flexible electronics, smart sportswear is expanding across sports, healthcare and industrial applications.
The global sportswear industry is witnessing increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), smart sensors and conductive textiles, enabling garments to function as connected systems capable of monitoring performance, tracking health metrics and providing real-time insights. As demand grows for personalised fitness and data-driven training, AI-powered smart textiles are emerging as a key area of innovation in textile manufacturing.
Smart Textiles Market Shows Strong Growth
According to Research and Markets (2026), the global smart textiles market is valued at $9.61 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach $25.5 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.6%. The report attributes this growth to increasing adoption across sportswear, healthcare, military and industrial applications.
Separately, Fortune Business Insights estimates the global smart clothing market will reach $2.47 billion in 2026, supported by rising demand for wearable health monitoring and connected fitness solutions.
Conductive Fibres Expand Smart Garment Capabilities
According to Heraeus, a global technology company specialising in advanced materials and industrial innovations, conductive polymers such as PEDOT enable textiles to capture biometric signals while remaining lightweight, washable and comfortable.
Japanese startup AI Silk has commercialised this technology through its LEAD SKIN® conductive fibres, which are designed to continuously monitor heart rate, muscle activity and body movement while maintaining comfort during wear.
Unlike conventional wearable devices, conductive fibres integrate sensors directly into the textile structure, improving both comfort and data collection.
AI Enables Real-Time Performance Monitoring
AI-powered smart sportswear combines embedded sensors with machine learning algorithms to analyse physiological and movement data in real time.
The technology can monitor:
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Body movement
- Muscle fatigue
- Posture
The resulting data can be used by athletes and coaches to assess performance, optimise training programmes and monitor recovery.
Global Brands Expand Connected Sportswear
Several international sportswear companies are increasing investments in intelligent apparel and digital fitness technologies.
According to Nike, the company continues to expand its connected fitness ecosystem by integrating performance apparel with digital platforms that deliver personalised athletic experiences.
Adidas is combining performance technologies with recycled and bio-based materials while expanding digital product innovation.
Under Armour continues to develop connected apparel, wearable sensors and AI-powered digital coaching solutions designed to help athletes monitor performance and recovery.
Canadian company Hexoskin develops AI-powered smart garments capable of monitoring ECG, respiration, heart rate, physical activity and sleep with medical-grade accuracy. The company’s products are used by athletes, researchers, healthcare providers and military organisations.
Manufacturing Technology Advances
Developments in flexible electronics, conductive fibres, printed sensors and low-power AI chips are making smart textile production increasingly practical for commercial manufacturing.
According to MarketsandMarkets, the global smart textiles market is expected to grow from $2.41 billion in 2025 to $5.56 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 18.2%.
As manufacturing costs decline and sensor technologies continue to improve, adoption of smart textile products is expected to expand across multiple industries.
Compliance Requirements Remain Important
According to a recent Alibaba.com B2B industry analysis, manufacturers producing smart garments must comply with international certification requirements.
Testing and certification for CE (Conformité Européenne) and FCC (Federal Communications Commission) compliance can require 6 to 12 months, creating opportunities for manufacturers operating in higher-value technical textile segments.
Healthcare Continues to Lead Adoption
A report by Span Global Services states that medical and healthcare monitoring accounts for more than 35 percent of the smart clothing market.
With continued investment in connected products, digital health technologies and personalised performance solutions, AI-powered smart textiles are becoming an increasingly commercial segment within the global textile industry.