A review of the application and development of inflatable structures in functional clothing

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the research and application of inflatable structures in functional clothing, emphasizing their potential for dynamic adaptability, intelligent responsiveness, and multifunctional integration. It begins by examining the classification and working principles of inflatable structures, followed by a review of their diverse applications in sports protection, medical rehabilitation, and other additional functions. Core research methods—including finite element simulation, mathematical modeling, and experimental validation—are systematically analyzed to highlight their respective roles and synergies in performance prediction and design optimization. The study also explores key enabling technologies such as inflatable chamber fabrication, driving systems, and sensor integration, detailing their technical mechanisms and coordination strategies. Despite recent advancements, challenges remain in environmental adaptability, long-term durability, maintenance convenience, and multifunctional integration. To address these issues, the study also proposed various targeted design paradigms. Overall, this work offers theoretical foundations and practical insights for advancing inflatable functional clothing toward intelligent, sustainable, and user-centered innovation.