Technical textile markets: developments in military clothing, 4th quarter 2008

Military clothing is an integral part of a soldier?s fighting kit. It plays a key role in protecting soldiers during combat, and must therefore perform several functions in the most rugged of wearing conditions. At the same time, it must remain durable.

Developments in military clothing have been driven mainly by changes in the ways in which wars are fought. Because modern warfare is more likely to take place in congested urban streets than on battlefields, today?s military clothing has an appearance and performance characteristics which contrast sharply with those of uniforms worn by soldiers fighting in the trenches during the First World War.

Since the terrorist attacks on the USA on September 11, 2001 (9/11), and the consequent war on terror, the demand for military clothing, body armour and other military equipment has risen sharply. In turn, this rise has greatly benefited a number of clothing manufacturers in the Western world.

The ever present threat of terrorism has raised concerns about the vulnerability of military forces in general, and troops in war zones in particular. Governments around the world have sharpened their focus on military preparedness?including how best to clothe and equip their countries? soldiers. They have invested heavily in the development of military uniforms which improve a soldier?s performance and comfort and offer the potential to save lives during combat.

As a result, developments in military clothing are being made today at a faster pace than at any time in history. New battledress concepts which harness nanotechnology and other advanced technologies have been devised with a view to helping the performance of soldiers on the battlefield by improving their ballistic protection, reducing the weight they carry, optimising their camouflage and amplifying their physical strength.

For the future, scientists have designed concepts for highly advanced multi-functional combat wear. However, it many take several years before these technological breakthroughs can be translated into wearable products.

Developments in Military Clothing

• Summary
• Introduction
• Demand for Military Clothing
• Development of Military Clothing
• Essential Properties of Military Clothing
• Research into Materials Which Will Improve the Performance of Military Clothing
• Battledress of the Future
• Conclusions

To read the full report buy issue 75 now	Subscribe

Four times a year, Technical Textile Markets provides an overview of the global man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile industries. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for technical textiles, and is essential reading for senior executives in (or supplying) the man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile sectors ? as well as for those who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis, but who need an authoritative source which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies which are actively involved in this fast-growing sector.
Reports in Technical Textile Markets include:
	company and country profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others, in terms of production, sourcing, import/export, infrastructure and development, and plans for the future.
	profiles of the world's top 40 producers of nonwovens ? updated each year with details of developments from each of the leading producers, including acquisitions, investments and divestments, and analyses of trends which the "rising stars" are using to their advantage.
	statistical reports ? including consumption data, by fibre and end-use applications. Regular updates are published for fibre consumption in Japan, the rest of Asia, the USA, and Western Europe.
	market sector information ? analyses of important commercial end-user applications, and profiles of both established and emerging markets which take into account such innovations and developments as nanotechnology and intelligent textiles.
	regular updates on innovations in fibres, technical textiles, apparel and machinery ? including developments in the following categories: fibres and yarns; technical textile fabrics for industrial applications; machinery; technical textiles for apparel; composites; other technical textile products; and technical textile treatments and finishes.
	reports on new technological developments and other topical issues ? with clear, authoritative comments on their economic and commercial significance. The reports bring to your attention the key issues which you can use to develop your business, and provides contact details of useful organisations.
So whether you are involved in man-made fibres, nonwovens or technical textiles ? in manufacturing, converting, import/export, or end use ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance ? a subscription to Technical Textile Markets will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
Technical Textile Markets is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 4 printed publications a year. Each issue contains five research-based reports (see above) and an editorial.
Electronic supplement If you choose the printed and electronic option, you will receive an extra service. You will still receive each issue in printed format, delivered to you by traditional post. In addition, you will be able to download PDF files containing the same information ? but the PDF files will be available immediately on publication, so you don?t have to wait for the printing and mailing. You also have all the benefits of electronic files: instant access even when you are away from the office; convenient storage in your PC or laptop; portability; electronic search facility; and copy/paste facility. You will also receive a monthly update of business news, called "Technical Textiles Business Update" delivered to you by email, free of charge.
Technical textiles are used in a wide range of end-use applications and markets, including agricultural; automotive; building/ construction/ engineering; medical and hygiene; packaging; protective clothing; sports and sportswear; and transport. A subscription to Technical Textile Markets will support your decision making, and provide the information you need to expand into new markets.