Ralph Lauren will be the first luxury lifestyle brand to feature a smart apparel collection with its unveiling of the Polo Tech shirt. The shirt, which will be revealed at the U.S. Open, features OMsignal technology that tracks the wearer's overall wellness and fitness and sends that data in real-time to a bluetooth connected smartphone.
The shirt has sensors that are knitted into the core of the fabric. These sensors read biological and physiological information. The data is collected and links up to a smartphone app to provide heartbeat, respiration, stress level and energy output information.
"It was clear from our very first meeting that Ralph Lauren had clarity of mind about the future of fashion tech," says Stéphane Marceau, CEO of OMsignal. "Its legendary Polo brand and unparalleled design and merchandising capabilities make Ralph Lauren a natural partner to bring smart clothing technology into everyday lives."
Tennis players and ball boys gave feedback to the company during practice sessions, and ball boys will wear the Polo Tech shirt during matches at the Billie Jean National Tennis Center. Ralph Lauren is the official outfitter of the two-week long U.S. Open.
"Ralph Lauren continues to be at the cutting edge of fashion and culture," says David Lauren, Senior Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations. "Our goal is to create and reflect the ultimate lifestyle, and we believe that a healthy and active life is an essential part of that. Ralph Lauren is excited to help lead the industry in wearable technology in this ever-evolving, modern world."
Combining fitness and luxury fashion will not be limited to athletes, however. The Polo Tech line aims to promote "general wellness and quality of life" for all ages and lifestyles.
Ralph Lauren plans to feature sensors in dress shirts later this year.
