Diabetic socks and an ECG T-shirt: what is smart clothing?

Health clothing is essentially “smart” clothing with electronic “stuffing”. It is useful for those who monitor the body or suffer from chronic diseases and need constant monitoring. Built-in electronic sensors and biosensors monitor biometric indicators of the wearer: pulse, pressure, breathing, temperature.

Experiments with smart clothes began back in 1968. Then the world saw glow-in-the-dark dresses and belts with a built-in siren signal. Almost 20 years ago Philips and Levi Strauss & Co presented a collaboration – a jacket with a built-in MP3 player, stereo headphones, mini-microphone, cell phone, headset and remote control.

Later, sports brands also joined smart clothing manufacturers. They began to create uniforms for training with sensors that synchronize with the application on the phone and transmit data on heart rate, blood pressure, physical activity, calories spent. Thus, in 2011 adidas presented “smart” boots Adizero f50 with a built-in chip that measures heart rate, speed, number of steps and their length. Two years later, the German brand teamed up with Google and developed talking sneakers that can give advice, praise for training and scold for laziness.

A few years later, OMsignal smart bra that monitors heart rate appeared, followed by Samsung belt with weight monitoring sensors, and later – Lenovo T-shirt that warns of a heart attack. Manufacturers didn’t stop there, and as time went on, there were even more “gadget things.” It is quite possible that soon closet items that help to control health will become part of everyday life. In the meantime, let’s tell you what designers are offering now.

Socks for people with diabetes

Diabetic patients often experience swollen feet – tissues and skin are then more vulnerable to injury and infection. The makers of medical startup Siren Care have decided to combat this problem and have developed smart socks with temperature sensors that prevent diabetics from developing swelling.

The sensors, which are woven into the fabric of the sock, transmit data to the Siren app, which can be installed on a smartphone. If the temperature rises, the program alerts the user to adjust activity or consult a doctor.

The socks are quite unpretentious in care: they can be washed and do not require charging. You won’t have to buy a new pair every time – every six months the buyer gets a new pair. However, for this you have to pay $ 30 a month. Sales started last summer.

T-shirt with ECG function

Xiaomi has developed a T-shirt with a removable ECG sensor that monitors the heart rhythm. As for the technical “stuffing”, the measurement is due to COTECH sensor fibers and an intelligent ADI ECG chip. The sensor is installed in the chest area, and vibrations notify the user of the transition to different heart rate zones. Cardiovascular performance is displayed in the Xiaomi Sports App, and workout records can also be kept there.

Sweat and water are not afraid of the T-shirt: the body of the sensor is made of moisture-resistant material. The novelty appeared last year and is already available on the manufacturer’s website. The price of a smart T-shirt is almost no different from conventional models: it costs 4800 rubles.

Sensoree sweater for people with mental disorders

Two years ago, Sensoree received a grant to launch clothing for people with neurological and mental disorders. These include autism, epilepsy, ADHD, hearing and visual impairment.

According to Sensoree founder Christine Neidlinger, the development is designed to help people with various disorders express their feelings. The LED lights change color depending on the user’s emotions. The feelings are recognized by sensors located on the palms of the hands: they react to how much the hands sweat.

The price can be specified on request.

Sports underwear that monitors health

In 2018, Skiin presented a line of “smart” underwear with built-in sensors that can analyze the state of the body. Models from this collection monitor heartbeat, body temperature, breathing and calculate the volume of fatty tissue.

Another interesting detail is that underwear and bras can assess the user’s condition and adjust the “smart home” to it. For example, they can adjust the temperature of the air conditioner if a person is hot, or turn on cheerful tracks if he or she is sad.

The line is not yet on sale, but it is already known that the collection will be presented for men and women. The sports underwear will cost around $250 to $350.

Baby sock for tracking blood oxygen levels

American company Owlet Baby Care has developed a kind of alternative to baby monitors – a “smart” sock for babies from 0 to 18 months. A built-in sensor measures blood oxygen levels, heart rate, body temperature and sleep quality. If the indicators change, the device’s LED ring reacts instantly and signals to the parents’ smartphone.

The smart sock is made of hypoallergenic material, and if the child decides to taste it, it will not harm his health in any way. The price is $ 299.