Understanding the Key Stages in Developing a Textile Product

The development of a technical textile product — whether it’s a smart garment, inflatable structure, or protective gear — requires a structured and multidisciplinary approach. At AQ-Tech, we combine design, textile engineering, electronics, and industrialization to turn innovative ideas into reliable, manufacturable products.

1. Needs analysis and specification

Objective: Define the foundation of the project by identifying needs, use cases, and technical constraints.

• Functional objectives (comfort, durability, performance, safety).
• Usage constraints (washability, stretchability, resistance, breathability).
• Compliance with applicable standards (PPE, medical, sports, industrial).

A clear and comprehensive technical specification ensures alignment between innovation goals, materials, and feasibility.

2. Material research and selection

Objective: Choose the most appropriate textiles and components to meet technical and environmental requirements.

• Material selection: woven, knitted, laminated, coated, or conductive fabrics.
• Testing mechanical and physical properties (resistance, elasticity, conductivity).
• Integration of sustainable materials for eco-design and recyclability.

Our teams specialize in integrating electronics into textiles, creating smart textile systems that combine flexibility, reliability, and data performance.

3. Design and prototyping

Objective: Turn the concept into a tangible prototype for technical and functional validation.

• Pattern design and assembly methods.
• Integration of active zones (sensors, heating areas, inflatable chambers, connectors).
• Production of a functional prototype ready for testing.

Each prototype iteration allows refinement of technical choices. Learn more on our Prototyping page.

4. Testing and validation

Objective: Ensure the product meets both technical and user requirements.

• Mechanical tests: tensile, abrasion, tear, permeability, and wash resistance.
• Functional validation in real-life conditions.
• Compatibility and durability of electronic components.

Testing ensures your product is robust, compliant, and ready for industrialization.

5. Pre-series production

Objective: Validate production processes and quality control before full-scale manufacturing.

• Small-batch production for process validation.
• Evaluation of repeatability and consistency.
• Optimization of assembly and finishing steps.

6. Industrialization

Objective: Transition from pre-series to large-scale production while maintaining quality and traceability.

• Creation of the full technical file (plans, BOMs, assembly guides).
• Tooling and fixture design for production.
• Partner selection and pilot runs.
• Implementation of industrial quality controls.

Thanks to our expertise in textile industrialization, we ensure your product is ready for reliable, cost-effective mass production.

Conclusion

Developing a textile product is a journey from idea to industry — combining creativity, engineering, and testing. Each stage plays a critical role in ensuring a durable, high-performance, and market-ready solution.

AQ-Tech supports your innovation projects across all textile domains — smart textiles, inflatable systems, and technical apparel. Contact our experts to bring your textile concept to life.