Advanced functional fabrics serve many complex functions. They transform traditional fibers, yarns and textiles into sophisticated, integrated devices and systems that allow for capabilities including communication, energy storage and health monitoring. At the forefront of innovation in this space is Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), a public-private partnership founded in 2016 to bridge the gap between product ideation and commercialization. Funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and one of 18 Manufacturing USA institutes, AFFOA uses its expertise in fibers and fabrics, as well as its ecosystem of 150 members across 38 states, to advance the domestic development of textile-based products with transformative capabilities for defense, health care and consumer applications.