Wearable Technology and Fashion

Wearable technology refers to any technology designed to be worn while in use, including smartwatches and smartglasses that detect, analyze, and transmit information such as vital signs and ambient data. Wearable devices like activity trackers are part of the Internet of Things, allowing objects to exchange data through the internet without human intervention. Wearable technology has a wide range of uses, including communication, entertainment, and improving health and fitness, but there are concerns about privacy and security due to the collection of personal data. Wearable technology has a variety of use cases and is being incorporated into navigation systems, advanced textiles, and healthcare. Wearable technology has a long history dating back to the 1500s, with examples such as small watches and pocket watches. Wearable technology has been used in various prototypes, including smart clothes, smart jewelry, and augmented reality glasses. Wearable technology has been widely adopted in the consumer space, with one in five American adults owning a wearable device. Wearable technology has applications in monitoring and providing real-time feedback for athletes, cybersecurity and financial technology, and health informatics. Wearable technology is often used to monitor a user's health, including measuring heart rate, sleep quality, and physical activity. Wearable technology has the potential to create new and improved ways of how we look at health and how we actually interpret that science behind our health. Wearables can collect data in aggregate form, but most are limited in their ability to analyze or make conclusions based on this data. There is growing interest in using wearables within corporate health and wellness programs, but privacy and security-related issues are of concern. Wearable technology can exist in multiple different form factors, including smartwatches, smart rings, head-worn glasses, headgear, and epidermal electronics.Overview of Wearable Technology

• Epidermal electronics are being developed for fitness and medical monitoring, and they have mechanical properties that resemble those of skin.

• Current limitations of epidermal technology involve complex fabrication processes, but research into printing epidermal electronics directly on the skin is underway.

• Smart shoes incorporate smart features, such as vibrating to indicate turns on Google Maps or self-lacing.

• Smartwatches and activity trackers have taken off, with Pebble and Apple leading the way.

• Wearable technology is being researched for use in assisted living and eldercare to collect biometric data, such as heart rate and brainwave signals.

• Virtual reality headsets and augmented reality glasses have expanded into the entertainment space, with applications in gaming, medicine, and education.

• The military uses wearable technology for educational purposes, training exercises, and sustainability technology.

• Fashionable wearables combine aesthetics and style with functional technology, and e-textiles combine textiles with electronic components.

• Wearables are made from a functionality or aesthetic perspective, with the goal of providing convenience and assistance to the user.The Intersection of Fashion and Wearable Tech

• Smart fabrics are changing the fashion industry by allowing wearers to track their health and have direct interaction with their clothing.

• Wearables are becoming more fashionable, with designers using technology to create stylish and comfortable garments that respond to the user.

• In 1967, fashion designer Pierre Cardin created a collection of garments featuring LEDs, while a 1968 exhibition in New York showcased clothing that changed temperature and produced noises.

• McLear's NFC Rings and House of Holland partnered for an event that allowed celebrities to make purchases from a wearable device.

• CuteCircuit created the Galaxy Dress and tshirtOS, which can change color and provide a new way of communicating and expressing style.

• Google's Project Jacquard created a jacket with touch-sensitive areas that can control a smartphone.

• Intel partnered with Chromat to create a sports bra and 3D printed carbon fiber dress that respond to changes in the user's body, as well as a smartwatch with Google and TAG Heuer.

• Designer Iris van Herpen incorporates 3D printing technology into her designs, with the help of Belgian company Materialise NV.

• Manufacturing methods for e-textiles include printing stretchable circuits into fabric using conductive ink and using conductive thread or yarn.

• Personal health wearables are classified as general wellness products by the FDA, but concerns arise regarding privacy and consent.

• Wearable devices pose reliability challenges for manufacturers and developers, with accuracy and robustness issues potentially impacting safety.

• Tools have been developed to evaluate the reliability and security of wearable devices.