Fibers, fabrics and textiles in which core-shell silica nanoparticles are incorporated are provided. The fibers, fabrics and textiles can be polymeric materials or natural cellulose-based or protein-based materials in which core-shell silica nanoparticles are incorporated. A variety of polymeric and natural materials can be employed, such as cellulose acetate, nylon, rayon, modacrylic, olefin, acrylic, polyester, polylactic acid, polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polyurethane, aramid, wool, cotton, ramie, milk protein, soy protein, bamboo, etc. The core-shell silica nanoparticles can incorporate sensing, magnetic, thermal, electrical, chemical or RFID properties that can be imparted to the materials and that allow the materials to sense one or more conditions of interest, making them ideal for in situ sensing, treatment, or security applications.