Wearable Electronics: Fashion vs. Function

Wearable Electronics Fashion vs Function
Last year, GapKids started selling something called the Hoodio: a $68 machine-washable hooded fleece jacket with an FM-radio control panel sewn onto one sleeve and removable speakers tucked inside the hood.

Clothiers have been trying for years to find a sexy combination of gear and garments but have failed to find mainstream success.

Three years ago, Levi Strauss & Co. ran a big advertising campaign for its Dockers Mobile Pant, khakis lined with bulge-resistant pockets for hiding portable electronics. Today, the Mobile Pant has disappeared from Dockers' lineup.

Even before Dockers, Levi Strauss had joined forces with Philips Electronics to create a line called Wearable Electronics with ample pockets for portable devices.

Recently, Microsoft teamed with Swatch to get greater cachet for its wireless data watch. These are chunky wristwatches that download weather information, news headlines, horoscopes and other data for $40 a year. Despite Microsoft's high hopes for the watches, do you know many people wearing them?

No matter how connected to technology we get, there are some things we want to keep separate - like clothes and gear.