Solar Shirt

The double-knit Solar Shirt incorporates thin-film solar cells into the design in a way that won’t send discerning fashionistas running. ‘Wearing solar cells lets us harness the sun’s potential energy and become a power source ourselves,’ says Van Dongen. By wearing the Solar Shirt you become a kind of walking charger, perfect for people who are always on the go. To date, all attempts to combine solar technology and fashion had focused on one-off haute couture designs. ‘Our technology enables extremely thin electronics that are stretchable, flexible and washable,’ says the Holst Centre’s Margreet de Kok, who worked in collaboration on the project. ‘It can be integrated into fabrics using standard high-volume techniques that are well known in the textile industry.’

The Big Picture: Consumers are looking to Optimise every element of their lives, and that includes making the most efficient use of the clothes they wear. It is up to brands to provide solutions that combine wearability, style and functionality.