A New Line of Business for the Fashion Industry, “SpaceWear”

spacewear
The spacewear designed to be worn by passengers aboard Virgin Galactic's spaceplane Courtesy: Virgin Galactic

In an event organized by Virgin Galactic in New York, Virgin Galactic’s founder Sir Richard Branson unveiled the company’s first ever commercial astronauts and passengers ‘spacewear’. This comes after a collaboration with Under Armour (UA) started 10-months ago. The space-clothing-line consistes of a high-tech base layer, flight suit, footwear, training suit and a limited-edition jacket.

The new spacewear is a balance between the practical, the aesthetic and the marketable. The galactic-suits were designed based on the inputs from doctors, astronaut trainers, pilots, apparel and footwear designers, engineers, and Virgin Galactic’s “Future Astronaut” customers. The suits do not actually provide protection against the vacuum of space.

The complete designer line provides not only a comfortable fit but also better performance and blood flow in both high-g and zero- conditions when pressed against acceleration or restraining harness. The galactic-line is made out of UA’s new Intelliknit fabric that manages both moisture and temperature. “Spacesuits are a part of the iconography of the first space age; our visual impressions of human spaceflight and what astronauts wear are inextricably linked,” says Sir Richard. “Requirements for astronaut spacewear as we enter the second space age are evolving, but the design challenge has not diminished. We were delighted when Kevin and Under Armour stepped up to this task and they have surpassed our expectations. I love the way the spacewear looks and I love the way it feels. I also love the fact that the next time I put it on, I will be on my way to space.”