Wearable Technology – The trend that’s getting both the fashion and the technology industries talking

It’s no secret that technology is getting more fashionable, whilst fashion is also getting more technical. The combination of the two trend setting elements is having a remarkable effect on not only how we look, but the things that we are able to achieve as we interact with our environment. Years ago it would be difficult to conceive that technology could be fashionable, but as you look around and see people flaunting their iPhones, Beats and even intelligent footwear, you would see that we were wrong. Designed to not only perform exciting, useful functions, but look great too, wearable technology is the latest evolution. We take a look at some of the most exciting products on the market and in development making waves in both the technology and the fashion industries.

Solar Panel Clothing

Thinking of how far solar energy has come, the possibilities of what solar panelled clothing could do are almost endless. From powering medical equipment to providing a power source for mobile phones and other gadgets, not having to worry about losing power or being without power altogether is an intriguing prospect for many. Products on the market already include bags and similar items, with many more exciting ideas in development.

Clothes Which Continue To Surprise

What if your clothing could react to your surroundings and change colour, style and provide other effects which would transform your outfit from something ordinary to something which will keep people talking? It’s already happening. Companies such as Rainbow Winters are designing clothes which are not only a fashion statement, but a technology statement too. With features which include sounds, colour change effects and details which react to water and sunlight, these items are like wearable works of arts which will be sure to help you stand out from the crowd. If we can change the look and colours of our clothes as we interact with our environment, could this be the end of disposable fashion.

Beauty and Technology?

What would happen if you could incorporate technology into your beauty products, making it easy to perform everyday tasks like paying for good with your fingernails or even controlling a drone through your eyelashes? Katia Vega is a specialist Beauty Tech Designer who is working on creating such designs. With benefits which could incorporate military, technological as well as every day functions, being able to control other elements will give a whole new dimension to our morning beauty routine.

Sun Protection from Your Wrist

Whilst heart rate monitors and food tracking applications on our mobiles make it easier to take care of ourselves, there are products currently on the market which can give us even further health benefits we may not have considered. Netatmo have launched a sunlight detector in the form of a bracelet (named June) which monitors the wearer’s sun exposure in order to advise on areas such as when and how much sun protection to apply as well as providing advice on wearing hat and sunglasses. The information is tailored completely to the wearer and the versatility of June’s design means that it can be worn in a number of ways such as a brooch, on a belt and more. Set to launch in June this year, it will also have a corresponding iPhone app to provide the wearer with the gathered information and advice.

These are just a small sample of the many exciting products which are either already available or are being developed. Wearable technology is fast becoming an everyday reality for many people, and as we look for easier and better ways to make our lives easier, who knows what will be next?