Apparel in a New ‘Lite’ 

Sept 1, 2009

ThreadLites Illuminated Branded Apparel uses EL technology to produce customizable apparel that becomes illuminated in a display of flashing colors.

West Palm Beach, Fla.-based ThreadLites has found a way to make T-shirts shine.

“ThreadLites provides full digital color capability,” says Rich Butler, president of U.S. Branding Group. “We liken it to putting Times Square billboard advertising on apparel.”

ThreadLites Illuminated Branded Apparel is a joint venture between U.S. Branding Group and Luminous Media Optoelectronics Ltd., pioneer of electroluminescent (EL) products in Southeast Asia. U.S. Branding Group is working to bring EL shirts and caps to the United States.

EL uses organic phosphor powder sandwiched between electrodes or thin PVC panels that are printed in full digital color. When electricity passes through, the phosphor powder expends its energy by emitting light, brightly illuminating the panels in a display of flashing colors.

EL panels can be die-cut, and are soft, lightweight and pliable when sewn onto a shirt or cap. “ThreadLites is all about customization,” Butler says. “Our in-house graphic art and design team brings logos and brands to life through illumination.”

EL apparel uses low-voltage AAA or button cell batteries that are tucked away under each shirt, or hidden inside the brim of a cap. The company’s other non-apparel products, such as illuminated cocktail tables and floor mats, require a direct current and outlet.

Another of the company’s innovations, TechnoThreadz shirts and caps, incorporate a battery pack with a miniature microphone that picks up sound. The illumination reacts only to that sound, producing an equalizer effect. Butler says EL plush toys, sewn bags and other soft goods like hoodies, sweats and polos are expected to be introduced later this year.

For more information, visit threadlites.com. — Jennifer Morrell

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