Where Did Smart Fashion Go?

GLM TEAM July 25, 2024

Remember the days when everyone was hyped about jackets that could charge your phone or shirts that could monitor your heart rate? Yeah, it feels like just yesterday that the tech and fashion worlds were having their whirlwind romance. But now? It’s like they ghosted each other. So, what happened to smart fashion?

The Meteoric Rise of Smart Fashion

Flashback to the early 2000s and mid-2010s. Wearable tech was all the rage. We had Google Glass making everyone look like futuristic cyborgs. We had the Apple Watch turning wrists into mini command centres. Smart fabrics and high-tech wearables promised a brave new world where functionality met style in perfect harmony. The future was supposed to be here, and it was supposed to be fashionable.

The Stars of the Show

Remember Nike’s self-lacing shoes? They were straight out of “Back to the Future.” Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket with Google’s Jacquard technology made denim smart. We thought this was just the beginning. We thought we’d have smart shirts and jeans with integrated displays allowing us to play Candy Crush or online slots on our legs.

But as time went on, the buzz started to die down. What happened to all those revolutionary ideas?

Why the Fizzle?

Tech Troubles: First off, the technology wasn’t always ready for prime time. Battery life was a joke and durability? Let’s just say you didn’t want to get caught in the rain with your smart jacket.
Fashion Faux Pas: The fashion industry, ever so traditional, wasn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for tech innovations. There’s a reason why the little black dress hasn’t changed much over the decades—classic styles endure because they work.
Consumer Confusion: And let’s talk about us, the consumers. The smart fashion on offer didn’t always match what we actually wanted. Fancy features are cool, but not when they come with hefty price tags and limited practicality.

The Here and Now

So, where are we now? Smartwatches and fitness trackers are still kicking it. They’ve found their niche and perfected their game. Beyond that, smart fashion has mostly retreated to niche markets. Sportswear and medical wearables are doing interesting things, but for everyday wear, the tech is still largely absent.

Lessons Learned and Looking Forward

What did we learn from this rollercoaster ride? For one, that marrying fashion and technology is harder than it looks. But the dream isn’t dead. We’re seeing innovations like sustainable smart fabrics and better integrations that might just bring smart fashion back in a big way.

The future could still be stylishly smart, but it’s clear we need to get the basics right. Better functionality, affordability, and designs that people actually want to wear—these are the keys to a smart fashion comeback.

So, what do you think? Is smart fashion gone for good, or is it just waiting for its next big break? Share your thoughts, and let’s keep this conversation going. Who knows, maybe your next favourite outfit will be smarter than ever!