Technology is always evolving and has made our lives and now our homes ‘smarter’. But have you heard of smart clothing? Smart clothes, also known as e-clothing, or smart wear are clothes integrated with technology to add extra functionality. Some of these smart clothes use cloth with interwoven circuitry. Another type of clothing implements sensors to add functionality. Most of these garments have the functionality to be connected to an app or a device through WiFi or Bluetooth.
Smart tech, especially in the field of fitness has become the new trend for a few years now. With leading companies like Fitbit and Mi producing new wrist bands that keep track of your steps, calorie count and can double as a smart watch – clothing companies are also investing in this smart market. Any piece of clothing, from undergarments to formal wear can be interwoven with technology. This can be useful for applications beyond the realms of fitness alone. If you are interested in the field of IoT, wearable tech is current hot topic. From humans to pets, the wearable tech market supplies bands that can monitor various activities and analyse the results.
Evolution of smart clothing:
Smart clothing is now emerging and earning its place in the market, but what is the story behind evolution of wearable tech?
“First generation” products that attach a sensor to the apparel. Sportswear brands such as Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour follow this.
“Second generation” products that embed the sensor in the garment, as demonstrated by current products from Samsung, Alphabet, Ralph Lauren, and Flex.
In “third generation” wearables, the garment actually is the sensor. Growing numbers of companies are creating biometric, pressure, and strain sensors for this purpose.
Smart clothing that anyone can find on the market
Fashion and technology is the future for many clothing lines, and may even replace other wearables. Given its ease to integrate into our lives and the versality it promises to offer, many brands are producing new products. The research and development in this field is still ongoing, but here are a few market ready examples that you can buy right now!
Smart activewear:
OMsignal a technology company has made a sports bra that could be a revolution in women’s active wear. The ‘OMbra’ records the distances run, respiration and heart rate through sensors. This data is analysed and made available on an app n your smartphone. The bra uses stretchable and light fabric, with mesh pads to reduce the sweat-level. It even shifts the force of the straps to the side of the bra instead of the back to stop them from slipping.
Smart socks:
Have you ever thought your socks would teach you how to walk? The Sensoria Smart Socks will. This means that, not only will it calculate the distance and speed at which you run but also record the pressure on every part of your foot. But the ‘smartness’ doesn’t stop there! The data is analysed and recorded over a period of time to suggest a better overall form.
Smart shoes:
There are many shoes which can record distance and track your fitness journey. But one other smart shoe worth mentioning is the limited-edition pizza hut shoes. These are a pair of sneakers that let you order a pie and control your DVR. It connects with an app on your phone and can place the order at a tap. As for controlling the TV, just point your shoes at it and push a button!
Smart sleepwear:
University of Massachusetts has developed smart pajamas or “Phyjamas”. These can track not just your breathing and heart rates, but even the position in which you are sleeping. Sleepwear makes it possible to monitor sleep quality without a wristband, because the fabric itself is woven with sensors that can track vital signs and body movements.
Smart Jacket:
Project Jacquard jacket, made in partnership by Levi’s and Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects group is a example of larger companies investing in smart clothing. The initiative to weave touch-sensitive fabric into everyday clothing, was announced back in May 2015. Google’s ATAP group managed to weave capacitive threads with a copper core into cloth itself. This allows the left cuff to take touch inputs from your hand as input controls for your smartphone, with the help of a Bluetooth-powered dongle stored in the cuff.
Will smart clothing replace market ‘wearable’?
No matter your age, gender, or fitness level, you probably get up and wear clothes every single day. This is why smart clothes are wearable for everyone. Putting on a smart piece of clothing doesn’t require any extra effort. The problem with fitness bands is that they require additional care. They must be taken off, charged and at the end of the day, are an additional item on your body. Imagine if your everyday clothing did all work for you. Wearable tech is at its best when it isn’t obvious. Hence the smart ‘watch’ popularity.
Wearable tech sounded bizarre when it was first discussed. But proved to be a popular choice, and even made people more fitness conscious. Similarly, you might feel dazed on reading about shoes that can order a snack and pajamas that can track your sleep, but the possibilities are endless. Feel free to come up with ideas, they may seem bizarre at first but do not let that deter you. From ideas come innovation!
