Wearable technology steps up its invasion from the body with 'smart clothing' -- OMsignal's new type of T-shirts that boasts sensors woven into the fabric is only the beginning.

The thought of a watch or wristband with the capacity to track fitness enthusiasts' cardio and respiratory rates is certainly not new; however, recent advances have put tech in the textile. Enter the 'smart clothing' revolution. It is the latest craze among young technology the likes of OMsignal, whose new line of Biometric Smartwear T-shirts boasts sensors woven directly into the fabric.

The T-shirts are not only able to process the typical vital-sign data during a workout; they also connect the user to the web via proxy. The user's exercise statistics are told through the sensors to a 'tracking module' -- a small black box clipped onto the shirt that transmits a constant stream of updates to the shirt wearer's smartphone via Bluetooth.

Company co-founder Stephane Marceau says the new generation of fitness enthusiasts is information-hungry. "The first cars were completely blind. Then you definitely had a gas gauge. A speedometer. Now you can't make a car without these things," he explained. "Smart clothing is starting to perform the same thing for the body."

OMsignal's T-shirts cost US$80 (RM260) and also the necessary module costs US$120 (RM390). The organization happens to be accepting pre-orders to be shipped this summer. Despite the expense, the fabric also claims to be moisture-wicking and anti-microbial -- and perhaps most importantly, it's machine washable (bear in mind to unclip the sensor box).

Meant for a good fit, the merchandise enhances oxygen distribution towards the muscles and increases blood flow, according to the company, which also said the shirt has additional slimming and posture support benefits but didn't expand on how it works.

OMsignal belongs to a growing group of innovative companies, which include laboratories like Cityzen Sciences based in Lyon, France. Development of a smart bra with technology much like OMsignal's T-shirts is underway at San Francisco-based Sensilk.

Computerised clothing may soon be on the leading lines, because the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency looks to build up training and battle tools for soldiers. -- AFP/RelaxNews