The fibers support the functions early generations of smartphones could perform. The 96 by 54-pixel display can run a calculator, show a photo gallery, play a video, work as a compass, respond to voice commands, receive images over Bluetooth, as well as read and display body temperature. Image: National University of Singapore

Engineers and computer scientists have spent the better part of the past 15 years trying to integrate mobile phone technology into clothing. The closest example of these so-called “ smart clothes ” becoming a retail reality came in 2017, when blue jean behemoth Levi teamed up with Google to release its Jacquard trucker jacket. On the surface, it looked just like the iconic denim original, but its cuff had touch sensors and haptic feedback built in .…