Dapper AI: MIT startup creates smart clothing that adjusts temperature

Ministry of Supply, an MIT-connected apparel company, is integrating artificial intelligence across both its smart clothing products and business operations. Founded by Gihan Amarasiriwardena, the company demonstrates how AI can transform traditional retail through advanced garment technology and intelligent business processes, offering a glimpse into the future of connected wearables.

What you should know: Ministry of Supply creates performance apparel that combines style with AI-powered functionality and sustainable manufacturing practices.

• The company produces machine-washable clothing from recycled and low-carbon materials using energy-saving manufacturing models.
• All products undergo rigorous performance durability tests and are “backed by science,” according to Amarasiriwardena.
• AI systems handle shipping optimization and order routing for improved customer service.

How the AI integration works: The company uses artificial intelligence to enhance both product fit and thermal comfort features.

• Customers input body measurements into an AI system that customizes garment fit to individual specifications.
• Smart AI jacket designs include thermal control features that can adjust temperature based on user preferences.
• The technology represents what Amarasiriwardena calls “hacking our clothing” to achieve comfort, convenience, and sharp appearance.

The bigger vision: Amarasiriwardena positions the company’s mission around using science and technology to improve everyday life, particularly for busy families.

• The founder emphasizes how performance clothing can save time on laundry, allowing parents to spend more quality time with young children.
• “Those are the moments where our products really come to life, and that inspire us to say, how can we use science and technology … to improve our everyday lives?” Amarasiriwardena explains.

What’s coming next: The company envisions a near-future scenario where connected wearables become fully interactive companions.

• Imagine telling your jacket to warm up on a cold day and receiving both temperature adjustment and helpful reminders like picking up groceries.
• This represents the broader trend toward “connected wearables, whether they’re gear, or garments, or implants, or anything else that brings intelligent systems to our fingertips.”

Why this matters: Ministry of Supply exemplifies how AI can be comprehensively integrated into traditional industries, transforming both product functionality and business operations while addressing real consumer needs around comfort, sustainability, and time management.