If You Would Like Your Clothes to BE the Tech, Then Watch Out…
Sony’s new patent for haptic-powered wearables shows immense promise. And fashion only stands to benefit.
Hello y’all!
Today we’re jumping into the world of wearable tech.
Sony recently filed a patent for wearable haptic feedback devices in clothing like trousers and sleeves, combined with Virtual Reality (VR) tech, for the gaming world. This patent holds significant potential across the fashion industry.
Sony’s patent describes a system in which non-Newtonian fluids change viscosity to simulate various physical sensations, allowing the device to create the illusion of textures, pressures, and environmental changes. For instance, in a gaming context, the device could simulate holding a rope or the sensation of wading through water.
In fashion, this kind of haptic wearable technology would enable the integration of immersive sensory experiences for consumers. In luxury clothing, possibilities include apparel that interact with the wearer in real-time, adjusting to both the body and external stimuli.
Clothing that can simulate different materials and environments — such as a cotton shirt emulating the feeling and texture of velvet or silk — could change how we experience fashion, and ourselves, via a multi-sensory experience rather than merely a visual one.
The flexibility of these devices would be crucial to their potential, because as the patent outlines, the wearable feedback system could be incorporated into various items like headbands, sleeves, shirts, or trousers.
This allows for creativity in design, with tech-enhanced garments that could adjust textures or sensations based on weather, temperature, or even the wearer’s activity. For example, a coat could simulate warmth as the temperature drops, or a dress could mimic the sensation of being brushed by leaves or flowing fabric. Such technological versatility would allow fashion designers to create interactive clothing that further blurs the line between fashion and enhanced experiences.
It could redefine fashion shows, with audiences experiencing the textures and sensations of the garments modeled on the runway in real-time, further enhancing the sense of immersion and exclusivity. Wearables like these could become statement pieces in both couture and streetwear, in a blend of novelty and personal expression.
There is also an enormous economic potential for tech-forward fashion, especially with haptic wearables appealing to consumers willing to invest in personalized experiences.
Fashion brands could collaborate with tech companies like Sony to create high-end, limited-edition collections that not only look good but also feel dynamic and interactive. Such products would cater to a tech-savvy, fashion-conscious demographic eager for innovation.
For the economically-conscious and sustainable side, temperature-adjusting wearables would allow downsizing wardrobes while maintaining versatility to reduce overconsumption. It also has the potential to benefit those whose circumstances might prevent them from affording seasonal essentials. How amazing and economically-viable would it be if we could wear the same shirt in the 30° C and -30° C by adjusting the temperature according to the weather?!
Of course, not all patents come to fruition. Many innovative ideas filed by companies like Sony never reach the market, and whether this technology will be developed and adopted in fashion remains uncertain.
But the fact that Sony is exploring these applications points towards the increasing appeal of a tech-infused lifestyle. If realized, haptic-powered wearables could reshape fashion’s consumers engagement, elevating it from mere appearance to a full-bodied, sensory experience that appeals to touch as much as sight.
If any of you have come across any other companies researching or manufacturing such clothing, or have actually tried any, let me know your experiences in the comments!
Until next time,
Cheers!
