Energy active composite yarns include at least one textile fiber member of
either an elastic or inelastic material, and at least one functional
substantially planar filament, which surrounds or covers the textile
fiber member. The composite yarns can include an optional stress-bearing
member, which also surrounds or covers the textile fiber member. The
composite yarns may be multifunctional, meaning the functional
substantially planar filament can exhibit combinations of electrical,
optical, magnetic, mechanical, chemical, semiconductive, and/or thermal
energy properties.