# Protective Apparel Brands seek to thwart the big brother effect. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Nov 11, 2016 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/protective-apparel ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Protective Apparel trend? **Protective Apparel:** As people increasingly rely on technology to function, brands are required to be vigilant in ensuring the protection of people’s personal and financial lives. Protective clothing that works to secure individuals’ privacy comes as a reactionary response to the vulnerability consumers feel in a world where mass surveillance and identity theft are key concerns. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 14 to Oct 19, 2016 - Published: Nov 11, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Protective Apparel trend ### Privacy-Protective Clothing As people become increasingly concerned with privacy protection, clothing incorporating protective measures begins to gain popularity. ### Anti-Surveillance Accessories With advances in surveillance technology, accessories designed to prevent detection by camera systems or other means are on the rise. ### RFID-Blocking Technology As theft and identity fraud continue to be serious concerns, technologies that help prevent such criminal activity, such as RFID-blocking, become common features in everyday objects. ## What the Protective Apparel trend means for industry ### For Fashion Innovative clothing designs aimed at privacy protection turn into a fashion trend, with clothing manufactures looking to distinguish themselves through these new features. ### For Security As technology makes security easier, developers and manufacturers find new ways to protect consumers’ personal data and businesses identifying these needs are able to provide new products or services with value to consumers. ### For Technology As a need for privacy rises, so does the demand for technologies that can help prevent identity theft and surveillance becoming key features in products with greater consumer buying power. ## Workshop question What steps is your brand taking to ensure consumer feel safe when purchasing your products or using your services? ## Trend signals for Protective Apparel Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 60%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 65% - Activity: 60% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Protective Apparel trend 4 featured examples from Jan 14 to Oct 19, 2016. - [Anti-Paparazzi Scarves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antiflash): This Anti-Flash Scarf Protects the Wearer's Privacy (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The fashion industry can capitalize on the growing demand for privacy-enhancing products by integrating anti-flash technology into clothing and accessories. - [Anti-Surveillance Coats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antisurveillance): This Coat Protects Connected Devices from Privacy Invasions (Category: Tech) Implication: By combining functionality and style, fashion companies can tap into the growing demand for privacy protection clothing. - [LED Anti-Surveillance Hats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/security-platform): The Justice Fedora Hides Your Face From NSA's Security Platform (Category: Tech) Implication: Fashion companies can incorporate privacy protection elements into their designs and disrupt the surveillance industry. - [Anti-Theft Crossbody Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crossbody-bags): The 'Anti-Theft React' Bag Protects Credit Cards From Scammers (Category: Tech) Implication: Integrating smart protective features into traditional travel luggage could enhance the safety of fragile or valuable possessions. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)