Huantian Cao

Fashion and Apparel Studies

Huantian Cao

Department Chair
Professor
Co-Director of Sustainable Apparel Initiative

hcao@udel.edu

Degrees

PhD, University of Georgia

MS, University of Georgia

MS, China Textile University (now Donghua University)

BS, China Textile University (now Donghua University)

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Courses Regularly Taught

Fundamentals of textiles I

Fundamentals of textiles II

Producing environmentally responsible apparel

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Representative Publications

Ludwig, K., & Cao, H. (2026). How brands communicate sustainability to consumers: A comparison between luxury and fast fashion brands. Journal of Sustainability, 2(2), 2.

Cobb, K., Cao, H., Yatvitskiy, M., Ludwig, K., & Gupman, S. (2025). The ReSpool Fiber Research (RFR) model: A protocol for the evaluation of mechanically recycled textile materials towards 鈥渟econd life鈥� product applications. Sustainability, 17, 10753.

Ludwig, K., Gupman, S., Yatvitskiy, M., Cao, H., & Cobb, K. (2025). Development and evaluation of yarns made from mechanically recycled textiles. Textiles, 5, 56.

Gorea, A., Cao, H., & Megivern, S. (2025). Optimizing sports bra strap design: The role of stitch pattern and stitch length (SL) on the properties of seamless knitted fabrics. The Journal of The Textile Institute, 116(6), 1025-1035.

Thomas, K., Clarke-Sather, A. R., Cobb, K., & Cao, H. (2025). Respool: Scaling a circular supply chain for recycled textiles. Journal of Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, 7(2), e70000.

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Thomas, K., Durrani, H., Brady, J., Ludwig, K., Yatvitskiy, M., Clarke-Sather, A. R., Cao, H., & Cobb, K. (2024). Fundamental challenges and opportunities for textile circularity. Sustainability, 16, 11117.

听Wolfe, M., & Cao, H. (2024). The development and consumer acceptance of shoe prototypes with midsoles made from mushroom mycelium composite. Textiles, 4, 426-441.

听Cao, H., Ludwig, K., Cobb, K., Scott, C., Jin, Y., Knight, B., Burrichter, M., & Shen, H. (2024). Development and evaluation of biodegradable weed control mulch mats from end-of-use cotton waste. Sustainability, 16, 7083.

Cao, H., Cobb, K., Yatvitskiy, M., Wolfe, M., & Shen, H. (2022). Textile and product development from end-of-use cotton apparel: A study to reclaim value from waste. Sustainability, 14, 8553.

Li, B., Cao, H., Greenspan, B., & Lobo, M. A. (2022). Development and evaluation of pneumatic actuators for pediatric upper extremity rehabilitation devices. The Journal of the Textile Institute, 113(7), 1372-1379.

听Li, B., Cobb, K., & Cao, H. (2020). Comparing physical to virtual: Garment appearance and fit of multi-layered cultural garments. Journal of Textile Engineering and Fashion Technology, 6(2), 49-59.

Silverman, J., Cao, H., & Cobb, K. (2020). Development of mushroom mycelium composites for footwear products. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 38(2), 119-133.

Park, H., Peksoz, S., Branson, D., An, S. K., & Cao, H. (2012). An investigation of microclimate change under body armor using thermal manikin and wireless sensors. AATCC Review, 12(3/4), 69-72.

Nam, J., Branson, D. H., Ashdown, S., Cao, H., & Carnrite, E., (2011). Analysis of cross sectional ease values and fit of liquid cooled vests from 3D body scan data taken in working positions. International Journal of Human Ecology, 12(1), 87-99.

Jin, B., Swinney, J., Cao, H., Muske, G., Nam, J., & Kang, J. H. (2011). Doing business with China: Curriculum internationalization through an infusion method. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 48(2), 171-181.

Gam, H. J., Cao, H., Bennett, J., Helmkamp, C., Farr, C. (2011). Application of design for disassembly in men's jacket: A study on sustainable apparel design. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 23(2/3), 83-94.

Mao, Q., Zhang, L., Huang, D., Wang, D., Huang, Y., Xu, H., Cao, H., & Mao, Z., (2011). Preparation and characterization of flame retardant lamellar Mg(OH)2 thin films on citric acid modified cotton fabrics. Surface and Interface Analysis, 43(5), 903-912.

Gam, H. J., Cao, H., Farr, C., & Kang, M., (2010). Quest for the eco-apparel market: A study of mothers' willingness to purchase organic cotton clothing for their children. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 34(6), 648-656.

Gam, H. J., Cao, H., Farr, C., & Heine, L. (2009). C2CAD: A sustainable apparel design and production model. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 21(4), 166-179.

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Honors and Awards

ITAA 2005 Lectra Innovation Award for Faculty Research.

US EPA 2011 P3 (People, Prosperity and the Planet) Award

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Research Interests

Sustainable textile and apparel design and production

Textile comfort performance

Protective clothing

Media mentions

From Waste to Value: A Decade of Circular Innovation

May 12, 2026 | Written by Natasha Kapadia

How the 91原创's partnership with Goodwill is redefining sustainable textiles through research, patents and student-led design.
Building a better space suit

October 01, 2024 | Written by Brenda Lange and Hilary Douwes

Interdisciplinary collaboration leads to innovative new fabric
June 03, 2024 | Written by Allyson Chiu of The Washington Post

If you鈥檙e buying pleather, you should steer clear of PVC, said Huantian Cao, professor and chair of fashion and apparel studies. 鈥淭he entire life cycle of this material has a very bad environmental impact,鈥� Cao said.