It’s common knowledge that developers and programmers love their hoodies. Just ask Mark Zuckerberg. However, last fall a few members of the FirstBuild team decided to kick their fashion game up a notch with a connected sweatshirt. Not only would it keep them warm on a brisk fall day, it could even display text and tweets with a specific hashtag.
The project is based on a Blend Micro (ATmega32U4) and a 16 x 32 LED matrix panel with a plastic lens that’s sewn into an opening on the front of the hoodie. It connects with a phone via Bluetooth to share a message, whether that’s a social media post, a funny message, or even some song lyrics to really catch the attention of others. In the future, the Makers hope to add animated GIFs as well. Power is supplied through a USB battery placed inside a wearer’s pants or the hoodie’s pocket.
Looking for something a bit different to add to your ensemble? Then head over to FirstBuild’s Instructables page here, and see it in action below.
