We live in a world where we want things to be easy, and things that make life easier are usually pretty darn cool. Whether you’re on a rainy bike ride to work or juggling your coffee and work materials in the morning, convenience is everything these days — and the new Google jacket from Levi’s provides plenty of it.
Engineered for durability and timeliness, the Levi’s Commuter Jacket with Jacquard by Google is a first-of-its-kind smart garment designed for today’s integrated, on-the-go urban lifestyle. The technology takes a staple of the working man’s wardrobe and brings it into the 21st century with added technology and elasticity so you active commuters don’t have to worry about constriction, or restriction.
The jacket is one of the first products to feature Google’s Jacquard, and it’s an exciting and successful effort. This woven tech will allow apparel manufacturers, like Levi’s, to seamlessly integrate Jacquard into clothes for enhanced, on-the-go connectivity while still keeping a strong, fashion-forward sense of style.
So how does it work? The jacket sinks with your phone via the Jacquard snap tag, which clips onto your cuff, and an app, through which you can program a series of customization movements and touches. With these gestures you can you can look up directions, play music, and handle your phone calls and text messages, all without looking at your phone. for the better by enabling easier and faster navigation with just a simple gesture across your jacket cuff.
This Levi’s and Google collaboration may utilize some seriously innovative tech, but, at the end of the day, it’s also a super-powered denim jacket. It can still be washed (without the snap tag) and it provides ample warmth during those brisk winter days. Keep in mind, though, it is not waterproof. (For more information on how to use, maintain, and take care of your commuter jacket, Google has got you covered here.)
Nevertheless, this jacket is a perfect grab or gift for those looking to transform their daily grind — or for those who may work somewhere where mobile accessibility is difficult, yet necessary.
The commuter jacket is now available for purchase on Levi’s website and select locations in New York City, San Francisco, Santa Monica, and Chicago.
Update on April 9, 2018: Looking for a more in-depth review? Our brother site, Digital Trends, tested the jacket for three months. Here’s what they found.