7 wearable technologies that fits everyday fashion (and 5 that really can’t)

most smartphone manufacturers and watchmakers offer their own models of connected watches. These wrist-worn objects are a great success, because they are as practical as they are aesthetically pleasing. Calling, reading messages or finding your way around town in style – that’s all a connected watch can do.

Long promised by science fiction, smart, connected glasses are finally here! Models such as Ray-Ban Stories or Google Glass incorporate technologies for filming, sound recording, search and even an AI personal assistant, all in aesthetically pleasing, discreet eyewear that can be worn every day.

it’s now possible to have a compendium of technology and functionality not at the tip of your finger, but around it. Smart rings like the Oura Ring not only look good, they also include functions such as monitoring the wearer’s state of health and sleep quality

Long anticipated in the collective imagination, smart shoes are finally a reality. Several manufacturers are offering shoes incorporating cutting-edge technologies. Such is the case with Nike’s Adapt BB pair, which laces up automatically and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app that connects directly to the shoes.

we already knew about pocket heaters, but the textile industry has recently innovated with electrically heated jackets like those from Levi’s and Uniqlo. Battery-operated, these jackets keep warm even in the coldest weather, while remaining lightweight, which explains their great success.

if there’s one wearable technology that’s become an essential part of everyday fashion, it’s wireless headphones. Whether it’s Apple’s AirPods, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds or those offered by many other brands, these headphones are practical and often very aesthetic, which justifies their widespread use.

smart backpacks allow you to take your belongings with you on a daily basis, while enjoying a range of functions. These include recharging devices via a USB port connected to an integrated power bank, and real-time tracking of the bag, all in modern, elegant designs. What’s more, these bags are generally waterproof and robust.

Virtual reality headsets promised to enable users to work in a virtual universe all day long, without cutting themselves off from reality. This promise was over-optimistic, as demonstrated by the failure of numerous models, notably Apple’s. These headsets are too bulky, unobtrusive and of little real use.

portable fridges were almost fashionable, because they could be carried like a bag and kept drinks and meals fresh all day long. But the fact that they took up too much space and had little autonomy meant that we hardly ever saw them on our streets.

lEDs are a lighting technology that consumes very little energy, heats up very little and can be included in flexible devices. All the conditions seemed right for LEDs to be integrated into everyday outfits. However, their overly conspicuous appearance had other ideas.

aI-enabled wearable gadgets such as the Humane AI Pin launched in 2024 have been a big flop. They were considered too intrusive and of little use. They generated little interest and were eventually forgotten without ever having been fashionable.

in 2022, Dyson launched a strange headset with an air-purifying mask. The technology promised to let you breathe clean, fresh air in even the most polluted cities while listening to your music. The object’s high volume and bizarre appearance made it a major flop.