Custom Orders

Manual Switches

Manual switches built into the garment are usually the most straightforward way to turn the lights on and off, and to select a pre-programmed mode or brightness level. We can customize the type and mounting location of these switches, whether you need them to be easy to use while a garment is being worn, or hidden away in a pocket that is only accessed backstage.

Enlighted App (iOS and watchOS)

For low-cost wireless control over a relatively short distance, we offer an optional BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) interface for the Enlighted controller that works with our Enlighted iOS or watchOS App . Either version of the App can be used to select the mode, brightness, and crossfade time between modes. The iOS version can also be used to customize the colors and background patterns for certain effects, and to trigger multiple Enlighted devices simultaneously, in a “mimic” mode. The watchOS version supports a variety of gesture-based commands.

Wireless DMX

Our garments with RGB LED pixel lighting can be controlled by professional-grade wireless DMX with a few different methods.

• Direct RGB values – Specify the red, green, and blue values directly, using three DMX channels for each independent pixel, or for each set of pixels displaying the same color.
• Mode select and brightness – One DMX channel is used to select the mode, and another controls the brightness. This approach minimizes the amount of RF traffic, without restricting the number of pixels in a costume. Our controller stores a list of pre-programmed modes, and handles all pixel mapping.
• Define modes with parameters – If you want the ability to create new custom modes, or fine-tune certain details of an effect from the lighting console, our controller can respond to a set of parameters that define the lighting effects in real time. This approach generally uses up to ~35 separate DMX channels per costume, or per Enlighted controller.

Wireless Control via Audio Tones

When it is not possible to use wireless DMX systems at 2.4GHz or 900 MHz due to excessive RF traffic or regional restrictions, we offer an alternate method for sending wireless commands via audio tones. Using an IEM (in-ear monitor) attached to an optional jack on our Enlighted controller (instead of an earpiece), we can detect specific combinations of audio tones and use them to trigger up to 20 different pre-programmed modes, including a standby/dark mode. This allows us to operate reliably in a less crowded frequency band, using gear that is already available in many production settings.

Sound-Reactive Effects

Our controllers have optional on-board microphones and audio analysis circuitry, allowing us to program lighting effects that change in response to ambient sounds or music.

Motion-Reactive Effects

We offer the option of adding miniature IMUs (inertial measurement units) to our systems, allowing continuous measurement of rotational velocity and acceleration in three axes. These parameters can be used to trigger a variety of changes in lighting effects in real time.

RGB LEDs

Most of our pieces are illuminated with individually addressable RGB LED pixels that we program to create custom animation effects. We can make the lights twinkle, pulse, change color, and move in flowing patterns across the body, and these effects can be triggered or changed using any of the control methods described in the previous section.

We primarily work with small encapsulated pixels that are connected by thin flexible wires. This type of installation is highly durable, and also allows us to have full control of the placement and spacing of the lights. For some applications, we will also use pixels in other form factors or with customized lenses.

Single Color LEDs

Before RGB LED pixels were available, we created lighted garments using single-color LEDs. These lights emit specific colors, and can be animated with relatively simple effects and controls (mostly manual switches). While we do not use them as often now, they may be the best choice for certain applications, particularly when an LED needs to be mounted in fabric with the lens portion exposed on the outside surface.

EL Wire and Panels

Electroluminescent (EL) wire is another older type of lighting that is sometimes used for wearables. It is best known for creating flexible outlines of light that resemble neon, but EL has many limitations that can be avoided with newer alternatives.

Fiber Optics

Fiber optics can be used as a conduit for decorative wearable lighting, creating bright points with cut ends of fibers, lines of light with side-emitting fibers, or glowing surfaces when fiber optics are woven into a textile. We can illuminate fibers with several different types of light sources, including RGB LED pixels, although the resulting brightness may be inadequate for many applications.

Mounting & Diffusion Options

When installing lights in fabric, we use a variety of techniques to manipulate the shape, brightness, and degree of diffusion. Some methods will produce bright individual points of light, while others will distribute the light within specific shapes, or across the surface of a garment.

For garments with an opaque outer layer of fabric, the LEDs can be mounted in punched holes , grommets , or gaps between fibers in a loosely woven material. The connecting wires are hidden between the outer layer and an internal lining.

If the outer layer of a garment is sheer or translucent, the LEDs can be mounted behind this layer, so that some light passes through but the connecting wires are concealed. We achieve this effect with materials like organza , tulle , sequin mesh , silicone , vinyl , feathers , fringe , and light colors of faux fur . The degree of diffusion can be adjusted by changing the spacing between adjacent LEDs and the separation between the LED layer and the outermost surface.

Animation Options

The artistic and emotional impact of an illuminated garment is strongly influenced by the way the lights are controlled. A steady glow or a slow change in brightness or color can produce a relatively subtle or calm effect. Dynamic patterns with fast, high-contrast transitions can be dramatic or energetic in a pleasant way, or they can also be quite disorienting or annoying if you aren't careful.

We specialize in designing animation options that are thoughtfully programmed to enhance your unique style, whether you want something that looks elegant , joyful , intimidating , confusing , psychedelic , futuristic , magical , expensive , unusual , attention-grabbing , or even tacky .

If you’re not sure what you want, we can program your controller to have a range of options, so you can adjust the lighting to match the mood as needed.

Logos & Text

We can create illuminated text, logos, and other shapes that are integrated into a garment. If you want the inside of a region to be lit up, we will typically create embroidered windows in the fabric and fill them in with a sheer or translucent material. On the inside, we add a layer of flexible backlighting made with LEDs. This backlighting can have bright spots, or be relatively uniform, depending on the amount of diffusing material that is included. The colors of the sheer windows and the stitched edges can be customized to blend in with the background (if the lights will be revealed as a surprise), or to provide contrast that makes it readable when it is not illuminated from within.

We can also create block letters with closely-spaced LEDs mounted in fabric, with lenses exposed on the outside. This approach might be necessary if we are adding lighting to existing letters or shapes, and it is not possible to create cut-out windows.

Batteries

Most of our pieces require DC power in the range of 6 to 12 volts, and are designed to run for at least a few hours. We can customize the size and type of battery, accounting for factors such as the expected power consumption, the amount of space available in a garment, and the length of time needed between battery changes or recharging.

We will typically hide the controller and battery pack in pockets built into the linings of the garment, although these locations can be customized as needed.

Care & Handling

All of our Enlighted apparel can be spot cleaned or treated with a fabric-freshening product, when compatible with the materials in the base garment. Some designs can be hand washed in water with a mild detergent and then dried flat, provided that the batteries and controller are removed. We can also design garments where the electronic portion can be completely detached, allowing the base layer or lining to be washed normally.

We do not recommend machine washing, machine drying, or dry cleaning for garments with permanently installed LEDs because of the risk of high mechanical stresses (during spinning and bulk processing), extreme temperatures, and harsh chemicals that may be involved.

Shipping Charges

In most cases, we will cover the cost of standard ground shipping within the US. Additional charges will apply for faster US shipping or for international orders.

Payment Options

We accept cash (for local orders), checks, wire transfers, and all major credit cards. We also accept payment via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and CashApp.

We typically require a nonrefundable deposit of at least 50% before we begin a custom project, with the full balance due before delivery. Other payment plans can be arranged for repeat customers, in some cases.

Lead Time For Custom Orders

Most custom designs can be completed within 4 to 6 weeks, although this can vary depending on the complexity of the project and our workload at the time. We will commit to a delivery date when an order is confirmed.

Rush Orders

Rush orders may also be possible, depending on our availability, with delivery times within 1-2 weeks or less. If you need your clothes to be Enlighted by a certain date, please include that information when you make your inquiry.

Returns & Exchanges

All sales are final once you have committed to a design, made payment arrangements, and the work has begun. We cannot accept returns or exchanges for custom projects.

We will do our best to make sure that you are satisfied with your purchase. This begins early in the design process, when we will discuss your aesthetic goals and technical requirements. We will help you to understand what you are ordering, to have realistic expectations for the results that can be achieved, and to be prepared for the special care and handling that these garments typically require.

Six Month Warranty

We guarantee that everything will work upon arrival, and for at least six months of normal use. If you discover issues that require further attention, and can return the garment to us, we will make repairs or design adjustments at no cost (within reason, depending on the nature of the project).

Repairs

Our Enlighted garments are designed to become treasured pieces of your wardrobe that will last for many years. If damage does occur after extended use, many parts can be repaired or refurbished. Repair costs will depend on the type of work, and the turn-around time that is needed.

Contact Us

Please reach out to us by one of these methods:

• email: janet@enlighted.com
• phone or text message: 760-505-3343 (US pacific time zone)

Complex projects may require a longer conversation with a scheduled call or an in-person meeting. Once we have gathered enough information, we can propose a design plan with cost and lead time estimates.