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Nano-pants

Posted by michael on from the like-mini-skirts,-but-smaller dept.

anvilmark writes "Saw an article at USA Today about a new manufacturing technology that adds stain-resistance and Gore-Tex like abilities to fabrics. The company Nano-Tex has developed a process that adds whiskers to cotton or man-made fibers that repel water but still allow sweat to pass. It's only supposed to add $5.00 to the cost of a pair of pants."

31 of 97 comments (clear)

  1. Will this work on leather? by theonetruekeebler · · Score: 2

    Because if it does, I'm gonna put off buying that Aerostich a little longer. Leather is a wonderfully versatile material, but I have yet to see a waterproofing technology that didn't turn leather boots, gloves, jackets, and pants into an uncomfortable vapor barrier, making it as useless on a hot dry day as it is on a cold wet one.

    --

    --
    This is not my sandwich.
  2. GoreTex Construction... by Christopher+B.+Brown · · Score: 2
    I was under the impression that GoreTex-based clothing was layered, and that the GoreTex layer was an interior layer, not on the exterior.

    See Gear Views;

    In three layer garments the outer shell, GoreTex layer and a fine net lining are all laminated together.

    Thus, assuming you have the heavier duty "three layer" version, and it's still breaking down, that seems to me to not be the fault of the GoreTex layer, and not something that replacing GoreTex with something else would solve.

    Perhaps they should be using Kevlar or Nomex (well, that's more for fire resistance!) for the outer shell; the point is that it is not likely GoreTex's fault that your clothing breaks down, and replacing it with something "better" without looking at the outer shell isn't going to gain you anything.

    --
    If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.
  3. Relevance to /.'ers by Fatal0E · · Score: 2

    The only thing worse then doing laundry is cooking a meal (more complicated then pasta or white rice) and camaflouge fatigues will (thankfully) never catch on. They might smell like they need to be washed but they sure as hell wont look it!
    "Me Ted"

    --

    BOSTON SUCKS!
  4. many alternatives to gore-tex, sorta by Jafa · · Score: 2

    The patent on gore-tex ran out in the last year or there abouts. So the price has come down, and there are lots of choices. Helly Hansen, Columbia (which is finally making realy good stuff), REI, etc. all have their version of breathable waterproof shells.

    The only problem is, they are probably based completely or in part on gore's patent. I have no idea how that may affect things, but they would probably be similar in characteristics to gore (ie, not quite up to the market hype yet). I've found Helly Hansen's stuff to be barely acceptable, but have had decent luck with REI's stuff.

    Anyways, have fun out there....
    Jason
    Portland, OR

  5. Yes. This is worthy of slashdot. by Tin+Weasil · · Score: 4

    I am seeing a number of posts by people wondering if this kind of thing is worthy of Slashdot. I say it is, and here's why:

    Stain resistance and water resistance will be required of any fabric used in the construction of "smart clothing". If you are going to embed a computer/telecomunications device in a jacket/shirt/whatever, you will need to use a material that will repel any elements that might be harmful to the circuitry.

    Sometimes we have to remember that things that appear "low tech" on the surface can often be catalysts to future advancements.

  6. How is this different than Goretex? by TurboRoot · · Score: 2

    This article failed to state why this "new" technology is better than existing technologies that work incredible well. It seems this fabric would lose its properties over time (or if put up to a cigarette lighter for long). Not to mention water can pass through the material if "forced" (as the article stated). Gore-tex clothing has been around for quite awhile, its also water-proof. If you are wet underneath the Gore-tex layer, your body heat will evaporate your prespiration, turn it into water vapor, which is a small enough particle to pass through the Gore-tex layer and escape. I'm extreamly happy with my camping bag, pants, windbreaker, "gators", etc made of the stuff.

  7. High-Tech Put Downs by Royster · · Score: 2

    Is that a nano-probe in your pants or are you just glad to see me?

    --
    I have discovered a truly marvelous sig, unfortunately the sig limit is too small to contain i
  8. Bill Clinton by TheNecromancer · · Score: 3
    I betcha ole Slick Willy wished Monica was wearing a nano-dress when he stained it, eh?

    --
    Attention all planets of the Solar Federation! We have assumed control! - Neil Peart
  9. fuzz flotation by epukinsk · · Score: 2

    The fuzz creates a cushion of air around the fibers, Soane says

    So I guess not only will these garments be waterproof, but pretty buoyant as well. "Nano-fuzz" clothes might prove safer to wear on a boat. I remember using air-filled t-shirts and jeans as floatation devices in the Boy Scouts... a run-of-the-mill cotton t-shirt doesn't hold air very well.

    -Erik

  10. Clothing tech is fundamental to all humanoids by ColMstrd · · Score: 2

    It is believed that the Cro Magnons superceded the Neanderthals in Northern Europe largely because of the greater thermal efficiency their sewn clothing gave them.

    While I agree that Gore-Tex has many fine qualities, it seems to me that it's biggest problem is its shiny nylon-ness, which precludes its wearing in many "civilian" situations.

    The prospect of wearing regular fabrics that have been given an invisible nano-shield to our delightful British weather is a very exciting one.

    Yes, I cycle for transport year round. No I don't necessarily want to look like "A CYCLIST"

    --
    You can never eat too much, only cycle too little.
  11. i think i saw these things by peterjm · · Score: 3

    wasn't britney spears wearing them at the music awards the other night?

    oh, those were just really small pants..
    mybad.

  12. No more laundry by Tyrannosaurus · · Score: 4
    How about self-cleaning textiles that are covered in nano-machines that eject dirt?

    Self-cleaning clothes? Where do I sign up? Then all I need are some nano-bots with little nano-irons to get all the wrinkles out. They could call them... nano-moms?

    ---

    --

    ---
    Gort! Klatu Barata Nikto!
  13. Re:I don't think that's what this stuff is for... by KjetilK · · Score: 2
    Hm, it seems like you're right. I'm a mountaineer myself, with a particular love for the arctic and a fan of Gore-Tex. Not because it is the best under all conditions, but because it is the most generally usable thing.

    However, in very cold environments, many people experience that moisture freezes on the inside of the jacket, making an impenetratable shield. I haven't experienced this myself, I tend to think that it is due to that these people are wearing to much clothing, practically getting overheated (hey, yeah, it's cold, but not that cold! :-) ).

    I could be wrong though, and in that case, this is something that would certainly make their life easier.

    --
    Employee of Inrupt, Project Release Manager and Community Manager for Solid
  14. Another alternative to Gore-Tex? by alpinist · · Score: 4

    Well, speaking as one who literally has relied on waterproof/breathable fabrics to survive in cold, inhospitable places (As in McKinley and the Canadian Rockies to name a couple) I'd really like to see a cheap alternative to gore-tex. Especially if it actually breathes better than GT does. Go mountaineering and/or ice climbing, and you have a tendency to put holes in your nice new $600 jacket and bib pants right away. Usually on the first day you wear them. :P
    My only question is, what kind of pressure rating does it withstand before water leaks on through? Is this a shed a little rain type of PR gimmick, or is it suited to Real Wet Environments(tm)?
    --

    1. Re:Another alternative to Gore-Tex? by KjetilK · · Score: 2

      if it'll give me a garment that weighs less than three pounds that'll keep me warm when it's 0 degrees F out,

      It sounds to me like you're dressing wrong. No single garment is supposed to do that, at least not current garments. If you think Gore-Tex is too hot, then you're wearing it up. If it's warm, you're not supposed to keep it closed up everywhere, you're supposed to open it up, or take it off entirely. And yes, even down to the temperatures you're mentioning.

      Now this needs more emphasis than it gets in mountaineering textbooks: The secret to staying warm is to vary the clothing you wear all the time. Especially, you can vary body temperature very easily by wearing different clothing on the parts of the body were heat is easily lost, like the head, neck, wrist and indeed armpits.

      Also, it is important not to wear too hot underwear. That's a very common mistake people make, they have very hot underwear, they get overheated and there's a lot of sweat on their skin, so when they stop, they get cold. The underwear you were should not be very insulating, only get the damn sweat away from the skin.

      While walking, I seldom wear more than a Gore-Tex jacket and this thin underwear down to -20 degrees celsius (yeah, and pants of course). That's about -4 F, isn't it? Below that, I some times wear a thin fleece jacket. And when stopping to have lunch, get a very thick hat on, and a down jacket, and you should be okay.

      --
      Employee of Inrupt, Project Release Manager and Community Manager for Solid
    2. Re:Another alternative to Gore-Tex? by joshamania · · Score: 2

      I agree with you on the Gore-Tex bit. Way too hot, doesn't breathe for shite. Best to buy a garment that has strategically placed zippers, al la under the armpits, to cool one's self. It sounds like this nano-tex stuff will be even less breathable. Perhaps like wearing soft rubber. Of course, if it'll give me a garment that weighs less than three pounds that'll keep me warm when it's 0 degrees F out, I'm all for it!

    3. Re:Another alternative to Gore-Tex? by SpanishInquisition · · Score: 4

      Bush-Tex?

      --
      Je t'aime Stéphanie
    4. Re:Another alternative to Gore-Tex? by joshamania · · Score: 2

      Isn't gore-tex supposed to breathe? If not, I'm way off base, but based on my experience with Gore-tex, the stuff doesn't breathe too well. I'll believe that this new Nano-tex breathes well when I have an opportunity to try it.

    5. Re:Another alternative to Gore-Tex? by bugg · · Score: 2
      Did you read the article? It was designed to pass sweat.

      Heck, it says that even in the summary up top; now, do you disagree? If so, why?

      --
      -bugg
  15. sweat can pass but not water? by po_boy · · Score: 2
    Does that mean they won't let me pass water?

    Oh no. I'll have to hold it all day!

  16. No more unsightly spots... by xFoz · · Score: 3

    The guy that invented this was tired of those spots you get on pants accidently when taking a leak. He must have thought of this while trying to figure out what to tell his date:

    1. "No, no, it's water that splashed out of the sink."
    2. "What spots?"
    3. "Damn, I'm inventing a new fabric, and I guess this versions still got bugs."

    1. Re:No more unsightly spots... by Ralph+Wiggam · · Score: 2

      They do specifically mention that the first company to sign up for this stuff makes fabric for khakis. And as you all know, khakis have a much bigger problem showing pee spots then other pants. I think you're on to something.

      -B

  17. nano-erotic stimulation by iamiuru · · Score: 2
    now all we need is to make sure that the "hairs" are pants can also be used for nano-erotic stimulation...

    now everyone can have that just had an orgasm smile on there face all day long... makes sitting at a computer all day a little more bearable...

    --
    That is your ass, and this over here is your elbow, and NO they ARE NOT the same thing.
  18. Re:This would make a good tampon by British · · Score: 2

    Besides being the most disgusting concept I have read(no offense, I'm a guy. I'm supposed to get grossed out by that), I don't think that would be a safe idea. Don't want to get air in the uterus. Trust me, a woman's business down there is something us guys don't want to think about, nor dare try to innovate inside.

  19. Re:This would make a good tampon by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2
    Have you heard of TSS you arsehole!

    Read this and lean something today

    Not funny, juvinile, purile. I guess you've never spent any proper time around women...

  20. Cloths are a rip off by Kagato · · Score: 2

    A store like the GAP makes their own cloths. They have over 300 contract factories in Asia. It costs less than 5 dollars to make and import a pair of pants then sell for over 40 bucks.

  21. Is gore-tex great or an expensive way to get wet? by smoondog · · Score: 2

    I've used gore-tex for many years. I've also used a lot of coatings that are supposedly "breathable". I find that breathables and gore-tex work excellently in snow, but heavy downpores like I see in the PNW eventually let water creep in.

    I hope this technology works, but it would have to be as good as gore-tex to be competitive, and it should be durable. I know most people who have gore-tex $500 n.f. jackets only walk accross the parking lot in them, but for those of us who escape to the mountains regularly it is critical.

    -Moondog

  22. to which cost? by Kronos. · · Score: 2

    It's not clear as to whether is $5 to the cost of manufacturing a pair of pants or $5 to the cost for the consumer?

    If it's $5 to the manufacturing of garments then we can expect to pay a lot more. Well, I won't, the pants I have are perfectly fine at the job they are intended to do ;)

  23. Another Screenplay Spoof by packphour · · Score: 5
    INT. - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YARD - DAY
    We close in on a group of kids who are pointing and laughing at one poor boy.
    Kids
    (in unison)
    "Pee Pee Pendergrass, pee'd his shorts. Pee Pee Pendergrass, is a weak bladder dork!"
    Little Pendergrass cries...

    20 Years Later.

    INT. - LABRATORY - NIGHT

    Pendergrass
    "I've done it! I've done it! Never again will people with bladder problems be publicly humiliated!"
    MONTAGE:

    JCPenny's display of Nano-Pants, Nano-Pants commercial of a little boy who seems to be peeing and smiling happily, Slashdot posting of the story...

    --

    -p4

    (c) All Rights Released.

  24. This would make a good tampon by Chuck+Flynn · · Score: 2

    Fibers that selectively control the flow of liquids so that they pass in one direction but not the other would be ideal for a super tampon, one that you never have to remove or throw out until after the whole week is over. You could combine it with an organic reprocessor inside which would convert the liquids into dry pellets or extrude them as gaseous byproducts, making the whole process completely hands-off and foolproof. The mark up would be big, but you'd only need one per month and we already have seen people's willingness to buy disposable contact lenses and other such luxuries. It's time that this same technological revolution come to feminine hygiene products.

    --

    Read the rest of this comment...

  25. Nano-Pants? by ArthurDent · · Score: 2

    Did anybody else think of Daisy Duke when they read the headline?

    Ben