The New Wearables

No longer the stuff of science fiction, a new era of connected clothing is paving the way for the future – and it’s anything but clunky and impractical

- Jessica Mudditt

Fast-forward to 1961 and the first wearable computer appeared – or rather, was concealed in the shoes of two mathematicians eager to cheat at roulette in Las Vegas. It worked, too.

However, wearable technology appeared destined to take a back seat to mobile phones as the gadget of choice.

More recently, there have been whispers that wearable tech will replace smartphones altogether, and that “smart clothes” are a gateway to implantable technology, such as microchips lodged under the skin.

Today, the wearable technology industry is worth R291 billion and it’s forecast to hit almost R348 billion next year, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC). Of that R348 billion, just R2.3 billion is forecast to be made from wearable tech clothing, although it’s forecast to grow to nearly R13.9 billion by 2022.

Senior research analyst at IDC Jitesh Ubrani is cautiously optimistic about the future of apparel fitted with intelligent technology.

‘We see this market growing slowly, from a small base. Consumers and enterprises are still years away from realizing the practical benefits offered by connected clothing,’ he tells GQ.

Samsung is actively trying to convince consumers of the usefulness of smart clothes under its wearable brand The Human Fit, which it launched in 2015.

There’s a belt with wireless connectivity that tells you if you’ve gained weight (thanks!), and a golf shirt that tracks both swings and the weather forecast, while its NFC suit allows the wearer to unlock their phone and hand out digital business cards.

However, according to senior industry analyst Kim Do from the market research firm IBIS World Australia, ‘A lot of Samsung’s tech clothing hasn’t made it off the shelves in Korea, because it’s too expensive to appeal to the masses.’