No. 6 (2025): Fashion Technology
Essays

Controllable Colour Changing Modular Textiles Using 3D Printing and Screen Printing for Alternative Sustainable Fashion

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  • Aditi Mishra
Aditi Mishra
Arts University Bournemouth
cover of FH issue 6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/fh-3761

Published 30-05-2026

Keywords

  • Digital fashion,
  • Cromaflux,
  • Thermochromic textlies,
  • Smart textiles,
  • Sustainable fashion

How to Cite

Mishra, A. (2026). Controllable Colour Changing Modular Textiles Using 3D Printing and Screen Printing for Alternative Sustainable Fashion. Fashion Highlight, (6), 118–128. https://doi.org/10.36253/fh-3761

Copyright (c) 2026 Aditi Mishra

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The role of technology in fashion no longer remains a gimmick limited to high fashion, eccentricities or fiction. With the advent of wearables and integratable electronics, innovations are shifting the digital fashion paradigm from visual to functional. Meanwhile, the fact that the fashion industry contributes significantly to global emissions and textile waste is irrefutable (Igini, 2023; Quantis, 2018; United Nations Environment Programme, 2018). Some researchers (Koo et al., 2013; Lang & Wei, 2019; Niinimäki & Hassi, 2011) suggest modular, reusable garments can help counteract the effects of fast fashion. Transformable garments are a potential alternative, but the aesthetics, affordability and functionality limit them from being adaptable to fast-moving trends. (Peter, 2018). A truly transformable garment still lies within the realm of speculations, considering its complexity and limitations of current technology.
Cromaflux, is a prototype capable of changing colours as the user wishes, which takes the form of a modular system with varying applications, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. It utilises 3D printing, traditional screen-printed textiles, and thermochromic elements, allowing for colour changes with smartphone apps. This research aspires to create affordable, adaptable, tech-integrated clothing that defies traditional textile norms, negates the socio-cultural harm of fast fashion, without compromising personal expression. 

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