Spray-on clothing

Manel Torres, formerly of the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London, has invented clothing in a can. The material, which comes in different colors, is sprayed directly onto a person's body, where it solidifies into a garment that can be washed and reworn, or dissolved to make new garments.

The spray can exudes short fibers of fabrics such as wool or acrylic, mixed with a polymer solvent. Although initially a liquid, the mixture solidifies immediately upon exiting the can. The only drawback is that the fabric is very cold at first.

Torres foresees using his spray-on material not only for fashion, but to make sterile form-fitting bandages, as well as upholstery. To that end, he and chemical engineer Paul Luckham set up a new company called Fabrican.

Hat tip: Cathy Earle.