Safaa Fojdar, a product design graduate from De Montfort University, developed Elide. The concept addresses a familiar problem for travelers and commuters: clothing can become badly creased during a journey, while an iron, power outlet or suitable flat surface may not be available.
The main device is designed specifically for use on clothing that is still being worn. A vacuum-style nozzle directs warm air toward the fabric while gentle suction pulls the material taut. As the nozzle moves across a crease, the fabric is held flatter while the airflow works on the surface.
The system operates at a maximum temperature of 45°C, a limit intended to make direct contact with worn clothing more comfortable. A refillable spray bottle is integrated into the cap, allowing the user to lightly mist the fabric before treatment. The added moisture can help loosen more persistent creases before the warm airflow dries and smooths the material.
The underlying mechanism draws on the Coandă effect, a fluid-dynamics phenomenon in which a moving stream of air tends to follow a curved surface rather than moving directly away from it. Fojdar applies the principle to fabric, combining airflow, moisture and suction to help bring the material into alignment before the warm air sets the result.
For deeper wrinkles, Elide uses a modular approach. A hot-plate attachment converts the handheld device into a compact corded iron capable of reaching temperatures of up to 200°C. Self-locking hinges allow the ironing plate to fold away when it is not required, keeping the overall form relatively compact and portable.
Fojdar developed a functional 3D-printed prototype and presented Elide at New Designers in London, where De Montfort University showcased work from its graduating students.
The project was inspired by a perceived gap in the market: a need to refresh creased clothing without taking it off, leaving residue on the fabric, or relying on a conventional iron and power socket.
Whether Elide eventually becomes a commercial product remains uncertain, but its design demonstrates a focused approach to an everyday problem. By combining portable operation, controlled warmth, suction and a modular ironing attachment, the concept explores how clothing care could become faster and more convenient outside the home.
According to Yankodesign
