Technabob » clothes

How Many People Like That Shirt? These Hangers Let You Know

Hazel Chua — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:51 +0000

Most shoppers are governed by the rule of supply and demand. There’s also the rule of majority wants. (If it isn’t obvious enough, that’s something I coined myself.) So basically, my self-made rule states that most people will tend to want something more, if they see that a lot of other people like it. This doesn’t apply to everyone, although I know a fair amount of people who shop by this rule.

That’s probably what Brazillian clothing retailer C&A is using as basis with their Facebook “Like” hangers. C&A has hooked up their hangers with a display the shows the number of likes the same article of clothing has received on their website.

Doing this works both ways, of course. If a person is on the fence about something and sees that it has ten thousand Likes, then he or she will probably end up buying it. But if it has just one or two Likes, it’ll probably go back on the rack.

[via New Launches via Oh Gizmo!]

Microsoft Kinect Helps You Pick the Right Clothes

Conner Flynn — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 22:00:53 +0000

Trying on clothes in stores is a pain. For you and the store, since about 40% of clothing purchases are returned because they don’t fit right. Kinect to the rescue. The Kinect now officially does everything.

Bloomingdale’s recently contracted with British body-mapping firm Bodymetrics to provide an in-store service to help women purchase the correct size jeans. The Bodymetrics Pod system uses an array of eight Kinect for Windows scanners that analyze and categorize your body based on a 3D model. This helps you find clothes that fit and will reduce the 40% return rate in the process.

You step into the Pod and get scanned. Then it classifies you into one of three groups. Emerald, sapphire, or ruby. I know, it sounds like a Pokémon game. Then you can match yourself with sizes and styles that fit your classification before you buy. Here’s some footage from the system in action at an earlier installation at UK retailer Selfridges:

I’m sure this kind of technology will be in all clothes stores in no time and it might actually help women shop faster. I hope.

[MSDN Blogs via Techcrunch]

Superman Caped Socks Add a Heroic Touch to Flabby Calves

Jack Kieffer — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:45:16 +0000

Superman is the most powerful superhero there is – you can’t deny it. Batman may be cooler than the man with the blue tights and the cape, but Superman is virtually indestructible. Heck, you can even kill him and he keeps coming back for more. Iron Man? The guy runs out of batteries. Thor? He’s only good at short range – give me a FAL, and he’s done. Superman takes bullets to the chest with ease and puts the entire team on his back without breaking a sweat. Unless you can build a spaceship, or clone Greg Jennings, Superman is going to kill you – they’re going to run out of kryptonite sooner or later, and then you had better check yourself before you wreck yourself. That said, I’m not certain that Superman would have been caught dead wearing these.

The Superman Caped Socks are $10 for a pair, and are super comfy tall socks with tiny capes on the back. These beauties are straight from the pizza oven at ThinkGeek, but unfortunately, ThinkGeek’s oven is broken. Translation: they’re out of stock. They’re estimating that the Superman Caped Socks will be back in stock very shortly, though, so wipe those tears. “It’s just allergies.” Don’t be afraid to show your true colors, my fragile friend. “No, really – I’m allergic to your cat.” Sh… Shhhh…. just lie still and contemplate your sadness. “JUST REMOVE YOUR CAT FROM MY LAP.”

If you like the Superman Caped Socks, then go on over to ThinkGeek to get on the notification list for when they come back into the warehouse. Or, you could stay here with us and check out some other cool superhero goodies, like the Superhero Coasters and the Superhero Fetuses.

Contributor Jack Kieffer owns Cool Gizmo Toys, a blog that rants about random geeky products.

Tetris Leggings Attract Geeky Attention to Your Legs

Jack Kieffer — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 21:00:55 +0000

Tetris is a wonderful retro game that has been recreated throughout the ages. There’s real life Tetris, Tetris Soap, and even Tetris Furniture! These Tetris Leggings are just another manifestation of the love that we geeks have for the first truly addictive puzzle game invented.

Created by Black Milk Clothing, (I don’t know which supermarket they go to), these leggings are covered in the iconic colorful blocks, and even have score and level data up near the waist of the leggings. You’ve been trying to marry rich? Get the right kind of guys staring at you, and then take the opportunity to get to know some of us geeky men. These leggings are a potentially amazing conversation starter. “So… umm… I like your pants.” Hey – it’s not perfect, but it will have to do.

The Tetris Leggings are made in Australia, and cost $80 (USD). They may seem far away, but thanks to the inter-web, this new-fangled thing, everyone is connected at high speeds via dial-up computing devices! So, just hop-skididdly-doo on over to the Black Milk website and get your hands on a pair of these leggings before they sell out.

If you’re looking for more Tetris goodies, check out the Tetris Cufflinks and the Tetris Wedding Cake.

Contributor Jack Kieffer owns Cool Gizmo Toys, a blog that rants about random geeky products.

RFID Clothing Hangers Do the Selling in Japan

Range — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:00:34 +0000

Japan has some great retail shopping, which is why Teamlab of Japan designed some cool RFID-equipped clothing hangers. These smart hangers will help you find products and accessories that will match the garment or product you have in your hands.

This system is currently being used in one of Vanquish’s men’s stores in Shibuya in Tokyo. There are a bunch of LCD displays located at the top of the clothing rack. Whenever you remove clothes, it will burst to life and give you information, while at the same time suggesting other matching accessories.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

This is definitely a more subtle way of trying to upsell wares, but honestly I still prefer a human over some LCD screen. Still, for some goods it might work well, since it’s a novel approach to shopping.

[via Japan Trends via Ubergizmo]

Laundry Arcade Concept Gives Gamers a Good Reason to Wash Their Clothes

Hazel Chua — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:45:14 +0000

Back in college, I had this friend who breathed, ate, and slept with nothing in mind but his video games. Counter Strike, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy - you name it, he’s played. He also failed classes regularly, but last I heard, he’s into his final semester at school already. Anyway, one thing my friend and I noticed about him was that he sometimes came to class on a certain day wearing the same clothes as he did yesterday.

Turns out, he was pulling a different kind of all-nighter, at the an Internet cafe located near the school, that is. I don’t think the Laundry Arcade Concept is targeted only to people who are like him, but I’m sure he’d be ecstatic with this design by Lee Wei Chen.

Basically, the Laundry Arcade works like this: you put your dirty stuff into the washing machine, insert some coins, and start playing. As long as you’re still alive in the game, your laundry will keep tumbling. When you run out of lives, you need to put it more coins to resume the game (and resume doing your laundry.)

I don’t think this will be a hit for those who are in a hurry to do their laundry, but it is a fun way to get the younger ones to do their laundry.

[via Design Week via Dvice ]

Neoprene Laser-Cut Clothes Seem Less Like Clothing, More Like Nothing

Hazel Chua — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 15:00:29 +0000

With the exception of Lady Gaga and others who work in fashion or in the entertainment business, I can say that clothing is something that hasn’t really changed drastically with the rapid advancement of technology. But that was before I saw these pieces of clothing that are seamless, laser cut, and all sorts of strange.

Aside from designs that are completely, well, out-of-this-world (and not in the good way), these pieces of clothing don’t seem very wearable. I mean, if I’m going to go out in some fashionable or new age clothing, I would at least want something that will sufficiently cover my back side. (Video below somewhat NSFW.)

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Most of these neoprene ~~clothing~~ pieces of pre-cut cloth barely cover any part of your body at all, with the exception of one that’s got some funky shirring going on at the side. Almost all the others showcase the entire front, side, or back of your body for the world to see.

Maybe designer Yitzhak Abecassis should come up with seamless, pre-cut swimsuits instead of clothing. Feels more appropriate, in a sense.

[via Yanko Designs]

Star Wars Costume Hoodies: The Dark Side of the Fleece

Technabob — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:50:37 +0000

Ok, they’re not made out of fleece, but the headline sounded way better that way. “The Dark Side of the 60% Cotton / 40% Polyester” didn’t roll off the tongue the same way. Regardless, these Dark Side hoodies are still pretty awesome – assuming you get your thrills from Star Wars, and don’t mind people staring at you.

ThinkGeek is now stocking hoodies in three Dark Side variants: Boba Fett, Stormtrooper and Darth Vader. I have to say that until you flip the hood up on the Boba Fett one, it could actually pass as something pretty fashionable. Of course, once you pop the facemask over your head and you check out the jet pack on back, all bets are off.

On the other hand, if you walk into a bank wearing either the Stormtrooper or Darth Vader hoodies with the facemask zipped up, you’ll get yourself arrested or sprayed with pepper spray quickly – especially if you come wielding a blaster rifle or a red lightsaber.

Die-hard Star Wars fans, you can grab these Dark Side hoodies over at ThinkGeek now for $49.99 (USD) each.

$900 Columbia Heated Jacket for Cold and Rich Geeks

Shane McGlaun — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:34:46 +0000

Texas is a state of extremes. We get some massively hot summers and in the winter, it can get pretty darn cold. We rarely get snow though, which is a good thing. If you live in an area where it’s bitterly cold, a normal jacket may not be enough to keep you from freezing your testes off.

What you need is one of these Electro Amp Parka heated jackets from Columbia. That is assuming you can stomach the massive price of the jackets that can run you up to $900. Yes, $900! You won’t catch me sporting one of these things, but I would bet hunters or outdoors types will gladly spring for one to stay warm.

The jackets have carbon fiber strands inside that feel like thread and conduct the heat needed to keep you warm. The heat is provided by a battery pack that is good for up to five hour of use per charge. The charging is done by that ubiquitous port known as USB.

[via GearJunkie]

Style, This Robe Has None

Lambert Varias — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:48:27 +0000

On second thought, I think they just chose the wrong model. Was he going for a sagacious expression? Is he using the Force? Or is he just ashamed?

Goofy robes deserve goofy models doing goofy poses. But believe it or not, it could be worse. You can get your hands on the Yoda Robe at BoysStuff for £50 (approx. $79 USD). One size fits all geeks.

[via Geeky Gadgets]

Hoodiebuddie is a Hoodie With Headphones for Strings

Shane McGlaun — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:14:29 +0000

oI have a few hard and fast rules when it comes to fashion. No flip-flops or sandals unless you are at the beach is the first. No hoodies once you are old enough to make your own clothing purchases – unless you are running a marathon in the cold is the second. And the third and most important is just because they make it in your size, doesn’t mean you should wear it. That last one is hard for some people; I’m talking about the large folks out there and Spandex. ‘Nuff said.

The unusual Hoodiebuddie hoodie has surfaced, and while it is in clear violation of rule number one, it might be of interest to some of you with less stringent requirements for not looking like a goon. The thing looks like a normal hoodie, only the strings for the hood are actually headphones for your music player.

I will say that those strings look weird poked in your ears and someone will think you have just crammed the drawstring in your ears. My 5-year-old daughter would totally get this. I caught her chasing the other kids around the yard when it was cool out in early spring with the strings to her hoodie crammed up her nose. When I asked why she looked at me like I was crazy and said her nose was running and snot tastes gross, which sort of made sense.

Tweet Sleeve: Wear Your Emotions on Your Sleeve

Range — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:36:12 +0000

I think social networking is sometimes like over-sharing. Really, do you really need to share every little insignificant detail of your life with the entire universe? Now here’s something that reveals even more about your inconsequential tweets – clothes that tell the whole world how you feel!

The odd thing is that this bit of wearable technology by Vanessa Sorenson is that it doesn’t actually detect your mood using any kind of fancy emotion-sensing sensors. Nope, it just connects to a computer to look at keywords in your tweets to analyze your mood.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The algorithm scans the “mood” of your tweets. This in turn lets the color of the embedded LEDs change, depending on your feelings. Needless to say that you’d probably have to be in Wi-Fi range for this to work. I don’t know about you guys, but I prefer not letting everyone know how I feel. I just write for blogs.

[via Fashioning Tech via Bornrich]

Marc Ecko Limited Edition Star Wars Hoodies: Style Blessed by the Force

Lambert Varias — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:41:41 +0000

I’m not a big Star Wars nut, but I would gladly hand over my money for these awesome Star Wars hoodies by Marc Ecko. I want all of them. Here are some of the designs:

That’s the Vader hoodie ($100 (USD)) together with the X Wing Pilot hoodie ($150). I wonder why the Vader hoodie is cheaper than the X-Wing Pilot hoodie; it’s sure to be one of the bestsellers of this line.

Those are the “Real” Trooper ($100) and the Clone Trooper ($100) hoodies. Man… I don’t know if not having a credit card at times like this is a good or a bad thing. Dammit. The Star Wars hoodies (and jackets) will be available this October. Go to Marc Ecko’s online shop and pre-order one for me will you? They have other Star Wars designs as well. You can get those. Just get me the Vader hoodie. and the Real Trooper hoodie. and all of them. ALL OF THEM!

[via Street Level via Switched]

Apple Gloves to Warm Hands, Empty Wallets

Alisha K. — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:45:26 +0000

It can be hard to do anything while wearing gloves, much less get directions to that new sushi place with your iPhone. Sure, you could just take off your gloves every time you need to do something, wear the fingerless variety, or just lose your “texting fingers.” But as those solutions might not always be color-coordinated with your gadgets (and might lack the Apple logo), a new design for touchscreen-friendly gloves is here to save the day.

iPhones and touch-based iPods rely on the electric impulses in human skin, so any iPhone-friendly gloves would either have to leave the fingertips bare or simulate the electricity in skin. This patent combines those approaches–sort of. The iPhone gloves are multi-layered, and the thin inner layer simulates the feedback from skin. This inner layer is covered with a heavier, warmer layer, but aperatures at the tips allow the inner layer access to the touchscreen. The design allows these aperatures to open in a variety of ways (for, I guess, different styles of gloves), from peeling back the outer glove to removable caps.

Here’s betting these gloves, if released, will be at least 10% more expensive than the inevitable flood of knock-offs. Oh, Apple. I love you so, but you hurt my wallet.

[US Patent & Trademark Office via Apple Insider]

Geeky Guys Rejoice: Sexy Robot Undies for the Ladies

Karen M. — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:25:40 +0000

We’ve already seen not one but two iterations of Space Invaders undies for dudes, so it’s high time we let the ladies in on this brave new world of geeky underpants. Behold: the robot-themed bra and underwear set.

This marks an exciting milestone for nerdy guys everywhere, who can now, in one fell swoop, combine their top two loves: robots and lady parts. And of course, if you have no access to real, live ladies, you can always hook this onto one of your creepy stand-ins.

I’m a woman, but please don’t look to me to explain what the heck those rubberband-lookin’ things on the side of the underwear are. I have no idea and have never seen them before. They baffle and confuse me to no end.

You can get the set for around $16 from Tilly’s, if you dare. I mean, I’m tempted to get some, but I’m concerned they just might make me too magnetically irresistible to a certain binary code-loving, Star Wars toothbrush-having, javascript joke-making segment of the populace. Actually that pretty much describes myself, so that’s a bit tautological.

[via GeekSugar]

LED Gloves Put Lights at Your Fingertips

Technabob — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:35:44 +0000

Just in case you’re still living in the early 1990s and heading out to a rave this weekend, you might want to add these to your outfit before you head out onto the dance floor.

This pair of battery-powered gloves have a set of bright LEDs built into the fingertips. In addition to a brilliant blue always-on mode, the gloves can also be set to epileptic flashing or disco chase-light mode — just in case your illuminated fingertips don’t draw enough attention on their own.

Thankfully, they haven’t yet caught on, but you better not let Kanye West know about these, lest he wear them to his next (oh so humble) award acceptance speech and start some kind of trend.

If you’re really ready to wear these out in public, you can find them from France’s Lux et Deco (get it, L.E.D.?) for €29 (about $45 USD) a pair.

Guitar Hero T-Shirt Lets You Play Air Guitar Anywhere

Technabob — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:25:27 +0000

If you’re way too addicted to those Guitar Hero games, you’ve got a couple of new ways to keep it with you wherever you go. A few days back, I brought you that pint-sized pocket GH LCD game. But you probably can’t take that into the conference room at work without somebody hearing you rock out. So if you need to get your game on, but must do it in silence, check out this great Guitar Hero t-shirt.

Featuring the stylized body of the famous red Gibson SG electric guitar, the shirt lets strum and whammy without making a sound (unless, of course, you make funny mouth sounds whenever you play air guitar). Sure, people around you might think that incessantly caressing your belly is a little odd, but who really cares?

You can find the Guitar Hero t-shirt from istheshiRt for €23,90 (appx. $35 USD).

[via Fashionably Geek]