Category
Tech
Delegated Interfaces
Trend cluster
Category
Protective
Connection
Connected clothing is becoming increasingly health and security focused.
3.0
Trend score
Trend
What is the Protective Connection trend?
Protective Connection: Apparel with connective capabilities is increasingly focused on protective features like air pollution monitoring, disease-prevention, productivity, and even warmth. As the rise of health and wellness coincides with external concerns like climate change, these products are on their way to becoming essentials. This niche aspect of connected apparel goes a step further than simply adding convenience to consumers' lives – working to both ease and enhance them instead.
Trend themes
Themes within the Protective Connection trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Connected Clothing for Health and Security
Apparel with connective capabilities is increasingly focused on protective features like air pollution monitoring, disease-prevention, productivity, and even warmth.
02
Washable and Flexible Sensor Technology
Future for wearable technology that is more inconspicuous than current models on the market.
03
Smart Clothing with Sensors and Vibrators
Intricate systems that track location, temperature, and movement in a stylish and comfortable package that can be controlled via a smartphone app.
Industry implications
What the Protective Connection trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Health and Wellness
Connected clothing with protective features and real-time monitoring is a burgeoning niche in the health and wellness industry.
For
Textile Manufacturing
Washable and flexible sensor technology will change the way textiles are produced in the future.
For
Wearable Technology
Smart clothing with sensors and vibrators designed to enhance the wearer's experience offers disruptive innovation opportunities for the wearable tech industry.
Workshop question
How can your brand better consumers' daily rituals rather than simply convenience them?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Protective Connection
Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 42%, activity 38%, freshness 8%.
Popularity42%
Activity38%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Protective Connection trend
5 featured examples from Jul 19, 2016 to Aug 29, 2017CategoryLifestyle
Motion-Tracking Artistic Wearables
synapseWear is a Wearable Device That Creates Visualizations
synapseWear showcases the potential for integrating sensors and creating interactive experiences through wearables.
CategoryTech
GPS-Connected Denim
Spinali Design Showcased Their Collection of Vibrating Jeans at CES 2017
The fashion industry can explore the integration of technology in clothing, creating new lines of GPS-enabled clothing and wearables.
CategoryLifestyle
Heart-Monitoring Bras
Bloomer Tech Created an Undergarment Integrated with Sensor Technology
Bloomer Tech's smart bra could be integrated with other clothing and positively impact the wearable technology industry with its washable and flexible circuits.
CategoryTech
Insulating Heated Winter Vests
The 'FOOMEXT' Heated Vest Connects to a Smartphone for Contol
Fashion brands can explore incorporating smart heating technology into their clothing lines, offering customers a stylish and functional option for cold weather.
CategoryTech
Connected Combat Harnesses
The Broadsword Spine Offers Electronic Connectivity to Soldiers
The defense industry can explore the potential of connected combat harnesses to enhance soldiers' capabilities and improve tactical operations in the field.
