The intellectual base, knowledge evolution, and frontiers of research on smart clothing: A visual analysis of research trajectory

With advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data technologies, smart clothing has gradually transitioned from concept to reality, becoming a focal point of research in the field of textile and materials science. Existing studies primarily concentrate on the development of new materials, integration of multiple functions, and optimization of performance; however, systematic reviews remain relatively scarce. This research employs scientific bibliometric tools to systematically outline the development context and research status of smart clothing. Through literature analysis, the framework and core technologies of smart clothing are summarized. Based on an analysis of 1342 documents from 1996 to 2024 in the Web of Science Core Collection, visual analysis is conducted to elucidate the research status, hotspots, and future trends. The findings indicate that smart clothing, as a multidisciplinary intersection, has flourished in recent years. Hotspot analysis highlights key research areas, including intelligent materials, sensor technology, energy supply and storage, communication technology, and interaction design, with flexibility and lightweight properties achieved through advanced flexible materials and microelectronics. The research trajectory evolves from basic materials to functionalization, intelligence, and personalization. The application scope broadens from medical health to sports and fitness, safety protection, and other domains. The study provides researchers with an overview of the field, and highlights current shortcomings and future potential, aiming to promote the innovation and commercialization of smart clothing while offering theoretical support and practical guidance for its widespread application in medical, sports, safety, and fashion sectors.