Imagine wearing a wristband or headband made from living plants—this is now a reality thanks to researchers from Cornell University.
A team from the College of Human Ecology has created a unique textile that combines seeds with a special gel-like material called hydrogel, allowing the seeds to grow while being worn on the body.
The project, called LivingLoom, was developed to explore new ways for people to connect more closely with nature.
Instead of just using plants for food or materials, the researchers asked: What if plants could be companions we live alongside every day?
Could this shift our thinking and help us live more sustainably?
The team wove chia seeds into hydrogel fibers, which were then spun into yarn and used to make wearable items like wristbands and headbands.
When the textile is watered and cared for properly, the seeds sprout and grow, even while being worn.
A special loom was used to create fabric that supports the plants’ growth by holding water and giving roots enough space.
To test how people interacted with these wearable plants, the researchers asked 10 volunteers to wear a LivingLoom wristband for three days.
Participants wore the bands for a few hours each day and wrote down their thoughts and experiences. At night, they placed the wristbands in containers to keep the growing plants safe.
Many participants found themselves feeling emotionally connected to the plants. Some said the relationship was surprisingly intimate, since the plants were worn directly on their skin.
A few even said they matched their own routines to the needs of the plants—for example, drinking water when watering the sprouts.
One participant felt sad when a sprout fell off, saying the closeness of the experience made the loss feel personal.
Researchers also noticed that wearing plants created a sense of shared rhythm between the human and the plant.
Just like people wake up refreshed after sleep, the sprouts looked taller and healthier each morning. Some volunteers said the growth of the plants felt like a reflection of their own well-being.
Items like hats and hairbands were especially popular in the study, since they are exposed to sunlight and don’t interfere much with daily activities. The research team believes that LivingLoom could also be used for digital farming and environmental monitoring.
For example, future versions might include sensors to track soil conditions or plant health.
The project has already won awards and could inspire a new way to live closely with nature—by literally wearing it.
