Second Skin: An Exploration of eTextile Stretch Circuits on the Body

Second Skin is a stretch electronic textile (eTextile) garment that adapts to the shape of the body. It is designed as both a provocative outer shell and a functioning undergarment, or foundation garment. Using elastic materials and building on techniques from cutting edge sportswear manufacturing, it facilitates wearable electronics which can recede from the users attention. We consider Second Skin as a platform that other researchers can use to add functionality of their own. In our exhibit, people can interact with a prototype version of Second Skin as well as with material samples to gain a better understanding of its look, feel and material capabilities.