The Polytechnic University of Hong Kong has recently launched a three-year project to improve its 'smart textile' which will keep users warm in winter but cool and feeling fresh in summer.

According to Tao Xiaoming, chair professor and associate head of the university's institute of textiles and clothing, the secret lies in the 'shape memory' material, enabling the fabric to expand when the temperature rises to give the wearer an 'airy feel', and contract in cold weather to preserve heat.

Similar principles have already been put to use in the past two years by some overseas manufacturers in making sportswear and army uniforms, said Professor Tao.

However, she said the university was seeking to improve the sensitivity of the smart material to temperature changes, hoping to make it adapt to more extreme weather and temperature changes.

She said the research team was also working to apply the technology to non-synthetic materials, leading to more varieties in fashion designs and making the material as comfortable as natural fabrics such as cotton and silk.

'We are trying to expand the technology so that we can apply it to different textiles to accommodate different uses, designs to make the wardrobe a little bit more interesting,' she said.

'If everything goes as we have hoped for, one day people might only need a few pieces of clothing all year round.'

But local fashion designer William Tang Tat-chi is not too thrilled by the prospect of a minimalist wardrobe of multi-function clothes.

'These so-called perennial garments might be convenient, but wouldn't it be dull to wear the same outfits all year round?'

Professor Tao said concerns over variety were being addressed, adding that the research team would also look at making materials that could change colours and even patterns at the will of the wearer.

She pointed out that to a certain extent this chameleon feature can already be found in some materials which change colours after being exposed to heat or sunlight.

'It would be even better if the users can have full control of the changes, such as by simply pushing a button on their clothes,' she said.

'So, with that, people can just go to a party after work with a completely different look but without having to change outfit.'

The university is also developing a batch of smart gloves to help the deaf and mute communicate with people who do not understand sign language. The technology involves putting sensors inside the fabric to read sign language and convert hand gestures into sound.