Smart clothing that can help you (and you’ll actually want to wear)

Fashion is all about what you wear and how you wear it. But the world of tech is all about functionality. The combination of these worlds is giving life to an entire new field: smart clothing.

• What is smart clothing? Any garment that has embedded technology inside.
• What types of smart clothing is there? Recent innovations include built-in battery packs and customizable designs.
• Do any big brands have smart clothing? The trend is certainly starting. Levi’s has a jean jacket and Tommy Hilfiger just debuted smart clothing that will reward consumers for wearing their brand.

When we think of advances in technology, we tend to think about smartphones and the medical field and wearables. However, there is a huge area of wearables that doesn’t get enough attention: smart clothing. From integrated power banks to heating elements to activity tracking, wearables are moving away from the wrist and becoming the shirt on your back.

It’s time for form to take a step back and let function have the limelight.

Check out these eight garments that are bringing smart clothing to the consumer. They can help you reach your fitness goals and even stay charged on the go.

Levi’s x Google Jacquard Commuter Trucker Jacket

Taking clothing into the 21st century, this stylish jean jacket conceals a whole lot of technology inside. Featuring Google Jacquard built in, the jacket syncs via Bluetooth to keep you connected to your music, GPS, and messages.
(Price: $350)

Why we love it: Coming from Levi’s, you know it’s fashionable.

Polar Team Pro Smart Shirt

Featuring a sleeveless style, the Team Pro Smart Shirt is complete with two sensors which remain in contact with your skin. As you move, they track your heart rate with precision. In addition, another sensor under the collar tracks motion, speed, distance, and acceleration.
(Price: $TBA)

Why we love it: It’s a Fitbit that you can truly wear.

Enflux Motion Capture Clothing

Great for serious athletes, this intelligent clothing actually tracks your entire body. Covering you from the neck down, there are ten tiny motion sensors throughout to keep you informed about your form while lifting.
(Price: $499)

Why we love it: It’s comfortable and has anti-odor features.

POLAR SEAL Smart Heated Tops

If you love winter sports but hate the chill, the POLAR SEAL Tops can help. With three different heating levels, you can choose between 104°F, 113°F, and 122°F to warm up in any weather.
(Price: $179)

Why we love it: The built-in batteries can last you up to 8 hours.

Sensoria Heart Rate Fitness Shirt

With a built-in heart rate monitor, this clever shirt pairs with an app to give you real-time metrics. It helps keep you in the zone while you’re working out. Plus, it’s super comfortable no matter what your activity is.
(Price: $149)

Why we love it: The app lets you track your progress over time.

Comfort Touch Ultra Wearable Scarf

If you’re looking to warm up but don’t want the bulk of sweatshirt, this scarf is for you. Complete with an integrated heating panel, it can actually warm you up in as little as 20 seconds. With a matchbox-sized battery, you’ll barely notice the technology.
(Price: $98)

Why we love it: It comes in a very generous (and comfy!) size.

SolSol Solar Powered Charging Hat

Now you can recharge anywhere on the planet with the SolSol hat. On the top of the brim is a large solar panel. Totally battery-free, there’s a USB port so you can plug in your cable directly and recharge anything from your tablet to your GoPro.
(Price: $56)

Why we love it: This is the technology our younger selves dreamed about.

Would these smart garments help solve any of your everyday woes? Let us know in the comments below!