Ralph Lauren Makes Tech Wearable With Polo Tech

A year after its initial trial at the 2014 US Open, Ralph Lauren’s highly anticipated Polo Tech shirt for men is now available for purchase. According to Ralph Lauren, the PoloTech Shirt is the next evolution of wearable technology. The fashion brand has managed to design lifestyle apparel by incorporating biometrics to improve general wellness and increase personal fitness.

The Ralph Lauren Polo Tech shirt features sensors knitted into the core of the product to read biological and physiological information. It works with an iPhone to put real-time workout data in the palm of your hand. Silver fibers woven directly into the fabric read heart rate and breathing depth and balance, as well as other key metrics, which are streamed to your device via a detachable, Bluetooth-enabled black box. With Ralph Lauren’s leadership in the design community, the compression shirt also has a sleek look in black with a signature yellow Polo Player logo. The second-skin fit enhances comfort and agility.
“Ralph Lauren continues to be at the cutting edge of fashion and culture,” said David Lauren, Executive Vice President of Global Advertising, Marketing and Corporate Communications. “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.” The Polo Tech shirt wasn’t only designed for athletes, Lauren sees a place for the Polo Tech shirt in everyday life. “Our vision is that this will transcend sports to help us at every age and in every aspect of life. Reaching far beyond just the needs of elite athletes, Polo Tech will offer innovative technology for all ages and lifestyles to promote general wellness and quality of life.”

The PoloTech App (available from the US App Store only) was created exclusively for use with the shirt and offers live biometrics, adaptive workouts, and more. The Ralph Lauren Polo Tech shirt was developed with proprietary technology from Canadian-based OMsignal, whose team includes experts in neuroscience, sports medicine and engineering.
“It was clear from our very first meeting that Ralph Lauren had clarity of mind about the future of fashion tech,” said 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.”

David Brewer, US Open Tournament Director, said there are features in the Polo Tech shirt that can “revolutionize how players train and compete.”