Apparel and home textiles marketer Ralph Lauren is launching its innovative PoloTech smartshirt, which it called a seamless blend of sleek, modern style with real-time biometric technology.
A Ralph Lauren press release informed that the introduction of the PoloTech shirt coincides with the inaugural collection of an athletic-focused, broader Polo Sport brand.
The smartshirt incorporates its sensory receivers with a dynamic fitness application into a fashion-forward design emblematic of Polo Sport.
Silver fibres woven directly into the fabric give the most accurate readings including that of heart rate and variability, breathing depth, intensity of movement, energy output, stress levels, steps taken and calories burned.
“The 'black box' that collects and processes the information uses five connectors and contains a 3D accelerometer that captures intensity of movement based on three g-force measurements,” it added.
PoloTech has a unique 'second-skin' fabric composition and the sensors in the fabric stream information directly to an iPhone, iWatch or iPod Touch.
According to the apparel marketer, the app reacts based on that immediate data and is compatible with the Apple iPod Touch 5th generation and above or iPhone with iOS 8 and above.
“The app also offers live fitness monitoring, reporting and a unique “push rate,” rating exertion, power and effort,” the company informed.
“The PoloTech shirt will change the way you look at fashion and apparel and will give you knowledge you can use to lead a better life,” David Lauren, executive vice president of marketing said.
“This is a bridge between technology, fitness and style that approaches wellness and well-being in comprehensive and complementary ways and will touch many parts of your life,” Lauren too added.
The technology was put to the test at the 2014 US Open on the top-ranked college player making his debut at the game along with official ball persons.
They were measured for relative fitness, measuring heart rate, recovery, time spent in aerobic and anaerobic zones, calories and distance.
The smartshirt was developed in partnership with proprietary technology from Canadian-based OMSignal, whose team includes experts in neuroscience, sports medicine and engineering.
The PoloTech app workout routines were devised by Galvanized, the health and fitness media company founded by David Zinczenko.
