This study aims to explore the research situation of recent smart clothing based on summarizing the research hotspots and predicting the research trends in smart clothing through scientific knowledge mapping. The English literature related to smart garments collected in the Web of Science (WOS) core database up to 31 December 2023 was searched by the co-occurrence analysis method, and the visual knowledge mapping analysis was conducted. The study found that China has a high influence in the field of smart clothing, with the highest number of articles accounting for 44.95% (178 articles) of the total number of articles. The study authors are closely linked but do not form a core group of authors. The keywords and emergent words reflect the corresponding research hotspots for design, performance, emi shielding, pressure, thermal management, wearable electronics, composites and fabrics of smart clothing. With social and environmental technology development, smart clothing will be allowed in the coming period; the research prospect is broad and technological.