Smart textiles.

The Clothing of the Future

Imagine knowing your heart rate and breathing rate every time you exercise? Well that's easy...we already have wristbands and handheld gadgets that provide that information.  But wait, what about a wearable medium that you've already been wearing your whole life?? Any guesses.......your CLOTHING.  That's right, smart clothing.  The co-founder of OMSignal predicts that in a decade all clothing that is purchased will have some sort of biofeedback sensors weaved into the fabric.  These smart clothing pieces may possibly be able to monitor stress levels in the body as well, so your shirt can literally tell you to take a chill pill.  This smart clothing will eliminate the need to wear extra accessories, such as the wrist band that can also monitor these vital signs.

Challenges

The problem with the OMSignal clothing is the price. Right now it is difficult to take the prototype and turn it into something that can be mass produced for a reasonable price that will promote consumer support.  This is the first time fabric like this is making it out of the laboratory. This clothing is predicted to be like the gas gauge on cars.  Originally they weren't there, but now we can't imagine cars without them.

What will the future be like?

I think that these clothing items could be useful for many high performing athletes or those who have health conditions that cause these vital signs to be of the utmost importance during physical activity.  However, I believe that we are already so connected...does our clothing have to be also?  However, these shirts have the potential to make great health advancements to encourage more people to be aware of their bodies.  It is crazy to think that this is possible.  It is a wild thought to picture what future technology has in store for the world.  And the big plus, the shirts are machine washable! I wonder if they will come in colors...