Smart clothing refers to a new category of fashion that combines traditional clothing items with advanced technology. These pieces of clothing can feature woven meshed wiring or hardware that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. While Bluetooth beanies have been around for a while, more recent smart clothing innovations take things to the next level.
For example, denim jackets can now track the location of your Uber, and tracksuits can bathe your body in far infrared light. These cutting-edge features make smart clothing not only fashionable but also functional. In the following sections, we’ll introduce you to the top smart clothes available on the market today.
Athos Training System
The Athos Training System produces workout clothes with embedded sensors that measure muscle activity, heart rate, and breathing rate. The data is then transmitted to a mobile app for analysis, providing users with real-time feedback on their workouts. This innovative technology allows fitness enthusiasts to optimize their workouts and achieve their fitness goals more efficiently.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides real-time feedback on workouts | Sensors can be finicky |
| Comfortable and stylish clothing options | Requires separate battery pack |
Sensoria Fitness Smart Socks
Sensoria’s smart socks use textile sensors to track activity, cadence, and foot landing technique during runs. The data is then sent to a smartphone app for analysis. This technology allows runners to improve their running technique and avoid injuries.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tracks running data with high accuracy | Only tracks running data |
| Helps runners improve technique and avoid injuries | Socks can be a bit expensive |
Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket
Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket is a collaboration between Levi’s and Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects group (ATAP). The jacket has a touch-sensitive cuff that allows wearers to control their music, take calls, and get directions without taking their phone out of their pocket. This technology provides a hands-free experience for the wearer, making it perfect for commuting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides a hands-free experience | Limited functionality |
| Stylish and comfortable | May not be suitable for all weather conditions |
Ralph Lauren PoloTech Shirt
Ralph Lauren’s PoloTech shirt has silver fibers woven into the fabric, which act as sensors to track heart rate, breathing, and movement. The data is then sent to a mobile app for analysis. This technology allows wearers to track their fitness performance and make informed decisions about their health.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tracks fitness performance with high accuracy | Requires a separate battery pack |
| Comfortable and stylish | Can be a bit expensive |
Hexoskin Smart Shirt
Hexoskin produces smart shirts that measure heart rate, breathing rate, and activity levels. The shirts are designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, providing real-time feedback on their performance. This technology helps athletes optimize their workouts and achieve their fitness goals more efficiently.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides real-time feedback on workouts | Requires a separate battery pack |
| Comfortable and stylish | Can be a bit expensive |
Nadi X Yoga Pants
The Nadi X Yoga Pants are a great example of smart clothing that blends technology and fashion. These pants use embedded sensors and haptic feedback to guide you through your yoga practice. The sensors track your movements and provide gentle vibrations to help you adjust your alignment and deepen your stretches. The pants also come with a companion app that provides additional guidance and tips for your practice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides real-time feedback to improve yoga practice | Can be expensive compared to traditional yoga pants |
| Haptic feedback is gentle and unobtrusive | Requires charging and may not be as durable as traditional yoga pants |
| Companion app provides additional guidance and tips | May not be suitable for all yoga styles or preferences |
| Stylish design that can be worn both in and out of the studio | Sizing may not be accurate for all body types |
Smart clothes are not only fashionable but also helpful in improving our overall health and performance. As you can see, each smart clothing item has its own set of pros and cons. It’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a purchase. Smart clothing technology is still evolving, so we can expect to see even more innovative designs and features in the future.
Overall, smart clothes are a great way to incorporate technology into our everyday lives while also staying stylish and comfortable. From tracking our workouts to improving our posture, these smart clothing items have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about fashion and health.
