Fashion is continually changing due to the influence of movie stars, social events, books, and even technology. One of the latest trends to surface in the fashion industry in recent years is wearable technology.
What is Wearable Technology?
Wearable technology, or wearables, is something you can wear and use hands-free for practical purposes. The history of wearables dates back to hundreds of years ago with the invention of glasses and watches. Both solved problems with a more portable and convenient hands-free solution.
As computing and internet technologies advance rapidly, wearables have grown smarter and more diverse. We embed multimedia, sensors, and chips into electronic devices, which you can then wear as an accessory. They can send and receive data via the internet and even collect your vital stats providing you with health warnings and advice. Nowadays, watches tell not only time but also your heartbeat.
In a nutshell, modern wearable technology shares the following features:
- Hands-free
- Activated through voice or gesture
- Support radio communication, GPS, camera, or microphone
- Respond to triggers even when there's no direct command or active usage indicator.
What Are Some Typical Applications of Wearable Tech?
Google Glass is a combination of a micro-projector, camera, sensors, storage, and controllers. First, the micro-projector projects with a light on the reflecting screen then the image is reflected into the eyeballs via the convex glass. In front of you, you will see a big virtual screen where data is displayed. It offers a convenience that a smartphone can't provide.
The electronic drum T-shirt is an excellent example of combining technology with clothing. Multiple electronic drum modules are embedded into the shirt, allowing the wearer to play the drums by tapping specific spots. It allows you to play music anytime, anywhere. It's truly an accessory for music lovers.
Unlike the smart T-shirt, everyone can use a health and fitness tracker. As keeping fit has come to the forefront of many people's way of living, millions of trackers are sold each year. Smartwatches are one of the most popular wearable devices on the market, and in 2018 accounted for over 50% of the market share and are still growing. Of all the smartwatches out there, the Apple Watch is the top-ranked brand, with a 47.9% market share of the global smartwatch market.
There are many reasons why Apple's wristwatch has gained worldwide mass success. It's not only the technology that attracts people, but also its style.
Can Fashion and Wearable Tech Mix?
Some may argue that fashion is more subjective than technology, which is all about logic and numbers. "Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening," Coco Chanel once said. Isn't that what technology does, too? Fashion and technology are just two means to one end.
Tech comes in varied forms, and wearable tech is now in everyday items that you wear, from clothes and tattoos to rings and glasses. Your clothing choices are the simplest way to reflect your style. Didn't you purchase a T-shirt mainly because you look good in it? The same rule also applies to your wearable devices.
The Apple Watch was designed to be a fashion accessory by Jony Ive. However, some leaders from the Cupertino-based tech giant were against the idea., stating that all they wanted was "an extension" of the iPhone: a high-tech timepiece that features some exciting apps. No doubt, there was a compromise. The Apple Watch we see today may not be precisely what Jony Ive envisioned, but fortunately, it's not without style.
You can even customize it to match your own style with various watch bands. Apple offers sport bands for the fitness types, solo loops for those who prefer a minimalist profile, and luxury straps for those who want to add more value to their investment. Of course, there are numerous third-party options. Just make sure you pick one the stands out from the crowd, like the PITAKA carbon fiber watch band.
PITAKA Designers Use Tech to Make A Fashion Wearable Accessory
PITAKA has created the world's first watch bands made from 100% carbon fiber links. What differentiates PITAKA's from other carbon fiber watch bands is that it's crafted wholly from carbon fiber instead of just imprinting a layer of carbon fiber on a leather band.
The minimalist yet stand-out aesthetic of the carbon fiber band is truly a fashionable addition to any Apple Watch. But fashion is not all it has. The long-lasting and lightweight carbon fiber ensures that the band is extremely durable and comfortable to wear all day. The band also features a magnetic fastener and security lock to keep your watch firmly in place. The carbon fiber links can be added or removed to fit any wrist. It's the perfect combination of fashion and function.
Wearable Tech Fashion is Growing
Wearables are the new trend in the consumer accessory industry and are seen more often in specialized areas like medical care and environmental protection. As wearable technology expands, you'll see more and more wearable tech appearing in the fashion industry.
What do you think of wearable tech fashion? Do you buy an accessory more for its tech or style? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section below. We'll pick one reader to give out a big discount coupon for our carbon fiber watch band when it's available later this month. Ends Feb 9th.
You may also want to read:
- James Bond Style: What Should The Bond-Worthy EDC Look Like?
- Cool Gift for Tech Lovers: PITAKA Staff Pick
- 9 Cool Things to do with your Apple Watch