Every season, fashion shows all over the world showcase what they believe to be the latest influences and styles in everything from shoes and dresses to jackets and scarves. Traditional fabrics have long been used in many different fashion line-ups, but exotic elements have always played a role as well. In the past couple of years, a new type of exotic element has been prominently featured in many fashion wardrobes: wearable technology. Why are these gadgets suddenly taking the fashion world by storm? We’ll explain below exactly what is fueling the trend and what to expect in the coming years.
Increasingly Affordable Prices
Most new forms of technology pass along a certain pathway: at first, they are expensive and unreliable, then more affordable and functional, and finally become cheap and perfected. Wearable technology has finally made it into the second category, with more and more wardrobe options being realistically affordable to many. Most are already familiar with gadgets such as the Apple Watch, which connects all of the functions we’ve grown to love about our smartphones to one bold fashion statement. At the same time, more down-to-earth fashion items are appearing on the market. From smart shirts that are used by athletic lovers (which monitor vitals such as heart rate, breathing and overall movement) to devices like Fitbit (which can track overall fitness and even sleep patterns), fashion designers are increasingly seeing demand for wearable technology due to lower prices.
A Stunning Fashion Statement
Even your everyday department stores and dress boutiques are getting in on the action of wearable technology. Why? As it turns out, anyone can make a dramatic fashion statement with some of the latest and greatest wearable tech on the market. While still more prominently seen in fashion accessories, wearable tech allows people to stand out in a crowd while simultaneously appearing to be stylish. Some of the more subtle fashion statements being made in the world of wearable tech include bracelets and necklaces that double as mobile chargers and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, smaller gadget/accessories combos such as rings, shoes and even hats are being used to incorporate both a sense of style and basic tech functions into everyone’s daily wardrobe.
People Love Technology
The past fifteen years has been a whirlwind for the role that technology plays in our daily lives. People find it difficult to go about their day-to-day lives without some access to technology. Whether it be through smartphones, XM radio in the car, or access to the web while at the office, society is totally addicted to its technology. Wearable tech provides a way for our otherwise bulky and awkward devices to be integrated into something much simpler. As the demand for mobile devices continues to skyrocket, the next logical step is one in which technology becomes a part of us – before that happens, however, expect the middle ground to be one in which it integrates with our clothing.
As people become more dependent upon technology, the fashion industry is responding. Wearable tech will continue to grow due to lower prices, a love for tech and the fashion statement it can make.
Photograph by Raneko