Business fashion has changed a lot over the last few years, thanks in large part to the youthful dot-com crowd. Women are still wearing high heels but fashion magazines say to skip the hosiery. Meanwhile, men have turned the casual look of khakis and collared knit shirts into the new American uniform.

The popularity of mobile appliances such as cell phones, PDAs, MP3/CD players, and laptops is also influencing fashion. The first effort to accommodate mobile technologies was the baggy cargo pant, but wearers found it uncomfortable for hardware to bump their legs while they walked. Also, it was hard to feel the vibration of a phone or pager unless it was more securely anchored to the waist. It was also awkward to reach down to the knee to fish around for devices.

The proliferation of mobile devices is what inspired attorney Scott Jordan to design the ScotteVest, a practical clothing article that looks like Armani's idea of a fisherman's vest. Jordan's concept was to create a Personal Area Network (PAN) in which his cotton-nylon blend light parka/vest design becomes the equivalent of a mobile desk. Pockets are designed not for general cargo use but to accommodate mobile devices and business accessories as ordinary as legal-sized tablets for the wearing. You also need places for other stuff - reading glasses, sunglasses, water bottles, caps, gloves.... and the list goes on and on.

"I started this when I was practicing law and carried a pocket PC, and cell phone, and hands-free device," says Jordan, "and with just those few items, you have to find a way to carry it all."

Experimentation, as with software, led to Scottevests in versions. "Version one didn't focus on weight management or style," he recalls. "Too many logos, and it wasn't stylish. Another complaint is it had so many pockets, it is confusing."

But pocket management, all 15 to 22 of them, is a matter of learning on the curve. If you don't want your keys clanging into your PDA screen, you figure out a way.

"Others love the pockets," says Jordan. "When you first get it you have to decide where to put your stuff. You have to decide on a place to put your pen, paper, business cards. And then you get used to your own system, and you know where it all is."

Version two had some minor improvements, and now the ScotteVest is in Version 2.5.

Version 2.5 has "an improved look and new, convenient features," including a hidden hood on men's versions, a hidden ID holder, earbud pockets, and a magnetic-fastening windflap. The vest is actually a jacket with sleeves that zip off when needed. It also comes in a women's version, completely with design accommodations for the equipment women carry naturally.

"The women's version is not a fashion statement," admits Jordan, "it is for utility. It's not as long and we have moved the chest pockets a little higher so they aren't on the chest area."

What makes the ScotteVest more than a glorified fisherman's vest is that its patent-pending design accommodates the wiring central to many mobile devices. Earbud wires snake through pockets to the collar for easy access. Devices such as PDAs and cellphones can be networked by a new use of Velcro that allows pockets to expand. These improvements are all part of the Technology Enabled Clothing(tm) system created by Jordan which includes magnets as well as reversible zippers.

Realtors are a major target market for the ScotteVest, says Jordan.

Says long-time Jordan friend and ScotteVest wearer Barry Kushner, a public relations specialist with Best Image Marketing, Inc., "Scott's patented system lets the user (a Realtor, for example) carry and use lots of tech gadgets that are hidden from view until needed."

"Realtors have the ability to carry around things such as keys and digital cameras," says Jordan. "There are pockets for reports that are big enough to hold legal pads, magazines and brochures, or a small laptop computer. With Realtors, the phone never stops ringing, and they are driving all the time. They need the hands-free devices."

Other markets besides mobile salespeople also exist, although Jordan says it has been difficult to pick a market and focus on it. He says he's had inquiries from the Secret Service, handicapped persons, private pilots, and more. Imagine the convenience of simply putting your vest through scanners at the airport, instead of emptying your briefcase. And, suggests Jordan, the jacket is ideal for anyone to wear to trade shows.

However, the ScotteVest may get stiff competition from the Nadavest, which offers back support to wearers. Straps come around from side pockets to loop over kneecaps to help wearers form a makeshift chair.

While the "Activest" doesn't necessarily target mobile professionals, it is also patented, and comes with ten pockets, or 14 pockets for the "sports" version. Both versions feature self-inflating cushions which can be inserted into pockets to provide lumbar support.

Technology enabled clothing "is a convergence of electronics and luggage," describes Jordan.

"It's comfortable clothing that is intended to be worn year-round."

Published: September 13, 2002

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