“Incredible” bra is made for athletes or just active women

Nov 28, 2014 10:39 GMT  ·  By

The word “incredible” is pretty overused nowadays, used to denote things that are only mildly unusual with alarming regularity, but that didn't stop Victoria's Secret from choosing it as a name for its first wearable electronic device.

True, we might have missed some, but as far as we know, Victoria's Secret hadn't unveiled a wearable electronic device until now.

Although the “Incredible” bra isn't so much a wearable device as it is a piece of clothing with some circuitry built into it.

Then again, electronic clothing is one of the main branches of wearable technology, so the observation still applies.

The “Incredible” bra

While not quite something you could ever call a “smart bra,” the “Incredible” does have an ability that clothing in general doesn't possess: it knows your heart.

Though in a far less romantic way than you might be thinking, alas. It won't be able to read your feelings, unless you count the heartbeat as a means towards that.

Anyway, the bra has an integrated heart rate sensor inside, which will let wearers know their heart status without wearing an obvious and uncomfortable strap or anything.

Unfortunately, you will need a separate heart rate transmitter in order to actually see the information in any way. The hookup in front of the bra is where that accessory can be placed. It can send data to a mobile device, like a phone.

You'll definitely have some bragging rights if you buy the “Incredible” bra, even more so than simply flaunting something from Victoria's Secret. All in all, it's definitely not a “smart” piece of electronic clothing, and it's unlikely you'll see a bra that is.

Availability and pricing

Victoria's Secret is offering the “Incredible” bra for $72.50 to $75.50 / €58.28 to €60.64 in Hello Lovely pink or Black Marl black and grey. That's a lot of cash, but there's Victoria's Secret for you.

Besides the electronics inside, the bra has the benefits of Body-Wick fabric, concealed wires and padded straps. Clip-on heart rate monitors from basically any brand are compatible with the sensor setup. You'll have to buy them separately though, so yes, more money from you.

If it's real smart clothes you want, or otherwise unusual garments, you can look at 3D Printed Clothing from Electroloom and that nifty clothing fabric that doubles as a battery. Batteries made of yarn and carbon nanotubes that can be woven into clothes are also worth a bit of consideration. We just hope some practical examples will start showing up in stores one of these months.

The Incredible bra (5 Images)

Incredible bra, Black Marl, back view
Incredible bra, Black Marl, front viewIncredible bra, Black Marl
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