In recent years, we have seen an explosion in the use of wearable technology. From smartwatches to fitness trackers, people are increasingly using wearable devices to stay connected and monitor their health. However, smart clothing is evolving to be more comfortable and conformable than a rigid sensor you wear around your wrist or chest.  

Smart clothing items that incorporate printed sensors and other technology into the fabric of the clothing itself offer seamless integration into our daily lives. This technology is still emerging, so here’s a look at the best smart clothing items on the market in 2023. 

1. Smart Fitness Shirt

A smart fitness shirt is one of the best smart clothing items for fitness enthusiasts. These shirts have built-in sensors that can track your heart rate, calories burned, and other fitness metrics. They can also monitor your posture and provide feedback to help you improve your form. Some smart fitness shirts even have built-in GPS technology that can track your distance and route, making them perfect for runners and cyclists. 

One of the best smart fitness shirts on the market is the Hexoskin Smart Shirt. This shirt uses a range of sensors to track your heart rate, breathing rate, and activity level. It also has a built-in GPS that can track your distance and speed, making it perfect for outdoor workouts. The Hexoskin Smart Shirt is compatible with a range of fitness apps, so you can easily track your progress over time. 

2. Smart Shoes

Shoes are another great option for those looking for wearable technology. These shoes incorporate sensors and other technology into the sole of the shoe, allowing you to track your activity and monitor your health without the need for a separate device. Smart shoes can be used for a range of activities, from running and walking to weightlifting and yoga. 

One of the best smart shoes on the market is the Under Armour HOVR Phantom Connected Running Shoe. This shoe has a built-in sensor that can track your distance, pace, and cadence. It also has many other features, including a cushioned sole for comfort and a breathable upper for ventilation. The Under Armour HOVR Phantom Connected Running Shoe is compatible with various fitness apps, so you can easily track your progress over time. 

3. Smart Socks

Socks are a new category of wearable technology that promises to revolutionize not only the way we exercise but also how we monitor our health. These socks incorporate sensors and other technology into the fabric, allowing you to track your activity and monitor your health without the need for a separate device.  

One of the best socks on the market is the Siren Care sock. This sock is designed for people living with diabetes. The sock has a built-in sensor that tracks your temperature and reduces your risk of ulcers. The connected app also allows registered nurses to review the data and send it to your provider if they believe you are at risk of injury.  

How Is Smart Clothing Made? 

The majority of smart clothing on the market today uses traditional wire sensors to pick up on the body’s natural electrical impulses and then sends those readings to an app via Bluetooth or WiFi. But wires can be uncomfortable and annoying to the user. 

Smart clothing made with conductive materials, such as fibers or inks, can be seamlessly integrated into clothing that the user is already wearing. Most smart clothing applications that use conductive materials rely on conductive fibers (78%), according to a study by IDTechEx. However, conductive inks are more reliable and easier to work with than conductive fibers.  

Biometric sensors can be made with conductive inks and traditional screen-printing methods. They are typically printed onto thin substrates and heat transferred to the garment. Because the biometric sensors are screen-printed, they are thin and add very little weight to the clothing. They can also stretch with the clothing as the user moves. 

Advanced printed technology like biometric sensors is the perfect solution for smart clothing applications because they are comfortable, stretchable, and washable. Reach out to our team today to learn more about how you can incorporate printed solutions into your next smart clothing application.