Ralph Lauren Corporation’s PoloTech smartshirt, which features real-time biometric technology, makes its retail debut on August 27. The launch will also include the introduction of an adaptive workout app that uses detailed data to tailor individualized training for maximum results.
The introduction of the PoloTech shirt coincides with the inaugural collection of an athletic-focused, broader Polo Sport brand. As its halo product, PoloTech intersects the forefronts of performance technology and lifestyle fashion.
“The Ralph Lauren PoloTech shirt will change the way you look at fashion and apparel. It will give you knowledge you can use to lead a better life,” said David Lauren, executive VP of global advertising, marketing and corporate communications. “This is a bridge between technology, fitness and style that approaches wellness and well-being in comprehensive and complementary ways. It will touch many parts of your life.”
The smartshirt incorporates its sensory receivers with a dynamic fitness application into a fashion-forward design emblematic of Polo Sport. Silver fibers woven directly into the fabric to give the most accurate readings track a range of stats, including heart rate and variability, breathing depth and recovery, intensity of movement, energy output and 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.
PoloTech has a unique ‘second-skin’ fabric composition, and the sensors in the fabric stream information directly to an iPhone, iWatch or iPod Touch. The app reacts based on that immediate data. The app is compatible with the Apple iPod Touch 5th Generation and above, or iPhone with iOS 8 and up.
The unique bio and psychometrics inform a series of adaptive video workouts, during which your performance in one exercise determines the intensity of the next, resulting in more than 10,000 possible combinations-the ultimate customized workout. The app also offers live fitness monitoring, reporting and a unique “push rate,” rating exertion, power and effort.
There are three categories of workouts, customized for users in real time:
- CARDIO: works core, burns fat and amps power
- STRENGTH: puts focus on chest, back, legs, shoulders, triceps and biceps
- AGILITY: designed to maximize quickness, precision and speed
The technology was put to the test at the 2014 US Open, where Ralph Lauren acted as Official Outfitter. Top-ranked college players making their debut at the premier tennis event, as well as an elite squad of official ball persons, 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.
“The PoloTech shirt points the way to the next generation of activewear. Going beyond the digital-only experience of today’s fitness platforms, it is the first product to bring advanced apparel technology and digital fitness technology together, into one smart, connected apparel product,” said Stéphane Marceau, CEO, OMsignal. “OMsignal’s partnership with Ralph Lauren is representative of the synergy that exists between the two brands, from their marquee leadership in fashion, to our customizable smart apparel platform.”
The PoloTech smartshirt will be available at RalphLauren.com, Polo Ralph Lauren’s global flagship in New York City and at its US Open store on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where there will be daily demonstrations.
