# Protective Connection Connected clothing is becoming increasingly health and security focused. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Aug 30, 2017 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/protective-connection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 19, 2016 to Aug 29, 2017 - Published: Aug 30, 2017 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Protective Connection trend ### 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. ### Washable and Flexible Sensor Technology Future for wearable technology that is more inconspicuous than current models on the market. ### 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. ## What the Protective Connection trend means for industry ### For 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 for Protective Connection Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 42%, activity 38%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 42% - Activity: 38% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Protective Connection trend 5 featured examples from Jul 19, 2016 to Aug 29, 2017. - [Motion-Tracking Artistic Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/synapsewear): synapseWear is a Wearable Device That Creates Visualizations (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: synapseWear showcases the potential for integrating sensors and creating interactive experiences through wearables. - [GPS-Connected Denim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibrating-jeans): Spinali Design Showcased Their Collection of Vibrating Jeans at CES 2017 (Category: Tech) Implication: The fashion industry can explore the integration of technology in clothing, creating new lines of GPS-enabled clothing and wearables. - [Heart-Monitoring Bras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensor-technology): Bloomer Tech Created an Undergarment Integrated with Sensor Technology (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Bloomer Tech's smart bra could be integrated with other clothing and positively impact the wearable technology industry with its washable and flexible circuits. - [Insulating Heated Winter Vests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heated-vest): The 'FOOMEXT' Heated Vest Connects to a Smartphone for Contol (Category: Tech) Implication: Fashion brands can explore incorporating smart heating technology into their clothing lines, offering customers a stylish and functional option for cold weather. - [Connected Combat Harnesses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/combat-harness): The Broadsword Spine Offers Electronic Connectivity to Soldiers (Category: Tech) Implication: The defense industry can explore the potential of connected combat harnesses to enhance soldiers' capabilities and improve tactical operations in the field. ## 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)