You and your friends might start wearing welded clothes soon. Can you believe it?

Ultrasonic welding may be the next big idea. After sin came into the world, Adam and Eve strung together some leaves. Then God gave them fur coverings. People have made clothing ever since. Once, even the needle-and-thread was a high-tech invention. But technology keeps advancing.

Welding uses sound waves. The waves melt together pieces of fabric. That means no extra weight from bulky folded seams and thread. The U.S. Navy wants lighter and stronger uniforms. Could it start using welded clothes instead of sewn ones?

The first project being tried is a Navy parka. The hefty coat is expensive. It has lots of pieces joined together. Making it is no easy task! A U.S. based company called Propel LLC is taking the challenge, though. Propel will try to weld a parka.

To sew a coat like that, many different stitch styles are used. Garments must move from machine to machine. A single welded seam would streamline the manufacturing process. It would also create stronger, more weatherproof clothing. Needles make tiny holes in fabric. That makes stitched seams weak. It also lets in moisture.

Welding could solve those problems. Then our clothes could cover us longer and protect us better—exactly what clothes are made to do!