These IR-blocking sunglasses are great for your eyes as well as for your privacy

Most regular sunglasses only block UV rays, but not infrared rays from damaging your eyes. Kolari hopes to change that with their cutting-edge IR-blocking sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun, and your face from unwanted facial recognition systems. Pretty cool, right?

When you wear regular sunglasses, the tinted lenses help cut the bright glare of the daytime sun. This does two things – it helps you see clearly without needing to half-shut your eyes, but it also makes your pupils dilate to let more light information in. Conventional sunglasses don’t do much to protect your eyes while they’re dilated in the daytime. The most glasses will ever do is block UV, blue light, and glare… but there’s one culprit that nobody focuses on, infrared. Humans don’t see infrared rays, but they can have long-term effects on your eyes. Sure, one can argue that you’d need high exposure to infrared rays, but think about how often you step out into the sun on a daily basis and all that begins adding up. While your regular Sunglass Hut shades won’t do much about IR rays, one company’s trying to make sunglasses safer for your eyes. Kolari Vision started its journey designing IR-protective accessories for cameras, but is now looking at the bigger picture by designing protective eyewear for everyone. The Kolari Shades are made from actual glass, and can block UV and up to 99% of infrared light from making its way into your eyes. This doesn’t impact the clarity with which you see, but it does help protect your vision… just like any sunglass should!

Designer: Ilija Melentijevic, PhD (founder of Kolari Vision)

Click Here to Buy Now: $169. Hurry, less than 72-hours to go!

Styled to look like a stylish pair of sunglasses, the Kolari Shades give your eyes the comfort and protection they need in the outdoors. “Our goal was to maximize clarity, eliminate color shifts, and block all unwanted wavelengths in order to give your eyes the most rested, neutral experience possible to minimize eye fatigue. Our beta testers are calling the result a breath of fresh air for your eyes,” say the folks at Kolari Vision. Originally founded as a photography company, the folks at Kolari realized that the gear made for cameras seemed to be better in quality than anything the eyewear industry produced. The irony being that your eyes are so much more precious than a $500 camera… so why is it that only camera sensors get taken such good care of, but not the original human cameras – our eyes??

Bridging that gap, the Kolari Shades offer a one-of-a-kind IR and UV protection to your eyes. The sunglasses are fitted with lenses that look just like your average tinted lenses, but they possess the unique ability to block anywhere between 90-99% of all infrared rays and 100% of all UV rays shining through the glass and into your eyes. The benefits of this are two-fold – there’s an obvious health benefit, given how eyes (just like skin) can respond adversely to excessive exposure to certain wavelengths of infrared light. However, a second benefit comes in the form of privacy protection. Most cameras rely on capturing some form of IR to ‘see’, and the shades can effectively block this ability. This prevents unwanted cameras from capturing facial recognition information without your consent. In fact, the iPhone relies on an IR blaster to power its FaceID unlocking feature – which can be disabled with the Kolari Shades. Sure, that means you need to either take off your sunglasses to unlock your phone (or just use the pattern lock instead), but the privacy implications are far-reaching too, as people like law enforcement can’t maliciously unlock your phone by holding it up to your face.

Kolari Shades are truly color-neutral and protect your eyes from all damaging wavelengths of light.

The beauty of the Kolari Shades is that their spectacles are made from actual glass – a distinction that sets it apart from even luxury eyewear. Most eyewear companies use a form of clear plastic for their lenses; a sensible choice because they’re scratch-resistant and they don’t shatter… but the one big caveat with these lenses lies their imperfections. Micro-imperfections in these lenses (even in the ones found in high-end tinted eyewear) can warp the way you see the world, which is why glass offers a MUCH better alternative. Kolari Vision’s lenses rely on industry-leading Corning Gorilla Glass (yes, the same durable one used in your phone) coupled with 51 layers of anti-reflective and anti-smudge coating. While Gorilla Glass can often be 10x more expensive than your standard plastic lenses, Kolari Vision’s still managed to keep their costs competitive, offering cutting-edge materials for the same price you’d pay for a pair of Ray-Bans.

Preserve your anonymity — Kolari Shades block infrared-based facial recognition systems.

Corning Gorilla Glass and titanium frames make the Kolari Shades extra tough.

The glasses aren’t the only durable part of the Kolari Shades either. The aviator-inspired eyewear sport frames are made from titanium, enhancing the overall durability to a level you’d probably find in smartphones (hint: the titanium iPhone 15 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra). You can choose between silver or gold-plated frames, while Kolari offers three lens options – a basic tinted-black (90% IR blocking), a bronze-tinted ultra lens (99% IR blocking), and an ultra gradient lens (with the same 99% IR blocking). The company’s working on newer frame designs and even plans on offering mirror-finish lenses that should take your eyewear’s swag to an entirely new level!

Click Here to Buy Now: $169. Hurry, less than 72-hours to go!

The post These IR-blocking sunglasses are great for your eyes as well as for your privacy first appeared on Yanko Design.

Fossil will no longer make smartwatches, implies weak market for designer wearables

There was a time when smartwatches were seen as geeky trinkets that had no place on ordinary people’s wrists. It took the success of the Apple Watch and the collaboration of fashion brands to bring this piece of wearable technology to the masses. But while smartwatches have finally found their legs, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it has been a profitable business either. It seems that those brands that have made smartwatches literally fashionable are starting to reconsider their strategies, especially with only a few successful products that are unsurprisingly still dominated by consumer electronics companies. Fossil has apparently decided to just pull the plug and call it quits on the smartwatch market, preferring to focus its resources on the designer products that actually bring in the money.

Designer: Fossil (via The Verge)

When smartwatches first came to the market, it was smartphone manufacturers that took the lead. Compared to the selection we have today, it’s not surprising why most people shied away from having them on their wrists. They were large, clunky, and visually unappealing. And they required charging almost every night.

While the Apple Watch would always be an exception, it took negotiations with brands like Fossil, TAG Heuer, Mont Blanc, and Michael Kors, just to name a few, to really bring smartwatch designs to the same level as traditional timepieces, at least on the outside. To some extent, there was a successful push to turn these pieces of wearable technology into true fashion accessories and, given some of the prices, luxury items. Now smartwatches are more or less more common, but that doesn’t mean the market for the more fashionable smartwatches is actually growing. In fact, you could almost say that the top smartwatch vendors are Apple, Samsung, and Google on the higher end, and Xiaomi, Mobvoi, and smaller manufacturers on the opposite end.

Confirming rumors that were already going around the Internet, Fossil announced that it was exiting the smartwatch business. It was a “strategic decision” and would focus on the “core segments of our business that continue to provide strong growth,” namely traditional watches, jewelry, and leather goods. Reading between the lines, it means that its line of smartwatches isn’t providing that kind of growth and it doesn’t foresee that changing in the future.

This makes the Fossil Gen 6 that was launched in 2021 the last smartwatch the marque will ever make. Fossil does promise to continue supporting its existing smartwatches for the next few years, though it probably really means only one or two years moving forward. Fossil is the first brand to make this big announcement, but it probably won’t be the last as the designer smartwatch market continues to stagnate or even shrink, leaving smartphone manufacturers to take the helm once more.

The post Fossil will no longer make smartwatches, implies weak market for designer wearables first appeared on Yanko Design.

Can QR Code-driven Incentives Solve Fashion’s Trillion-Dollar Waste Problem? This Company Thinks So…

Fashion still remains perhaps the biggest offender when it comes to waste and emissions generated by any given industry. Every year, 40 million tonnes of clothes find their way into landfills and third-world countries that are less than equipped to deal with this onslaught of wasted fabric. The solutions haven’t really matched up to the scale of problems either – thrifting still hasn’t made the impact that it promised to make, and brands are doing what they always do – using greenwashing to make their products look less wasteful than they already are. However, one company seems to be sitting on a potentially game-changing idea – incentivize users to slow down fashion by using a Technology platform leveraging unique QR Codes. SIXR is that app-based fashion technology platform that’s partnering with garment companies to provide meaningful incentives to end users to use their clothes for longer and to recycle them right and doing all this by using unique QR codes that will track the entire lifecycle of the garment from design and production to end of life or start of a new life.

Designer: SIXR Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $69. Hurry, only 217/250 SIXR Hoodies left!

Consumers buy the clothes through the SIXR app, wear them for their estimated life, and when their life cycle reaches its end, they scan the QR code that helps them return the garment to SIXR. Once the garment is returned to one of SIXR’s recycling partners, consumers get actual monetary rewards in the form of discounts on their next purchase. Using financial incentives instead of the ‘feel good’ factor of buying sustainable clothing, SIXR hopes to create a fashion recycling movement and a circular economy that sticks. SIXR and their recycling partners will ensure that the garments are put through a rigorous paradigm of Reduce, Reuse, Recyle, Refuse, Rethink and Repair which are the 6R’s from where the company got their name SIXR.

“We’re stuck in a linear apparel economy. Take->Make->Waste,” says Gagan Singh, CEO and Co-founder of SIXR going into details on how SIXR will solve the Trillion-Dollar fashion crisis. The problem with the linear flow of garments is that there’s a defined entry and exit, causing new raw materials to end up in landfills instead of being recycled. SIXR proposes a circular economy where material keeps traveling within the same loop multiple times instead of becoming waste. This reduces the waste problem, but it also reduces the creation problem that requires fresh resources and materials every single time.

The problem has a simple solution according to SIXR. Luigi Ferrara, Chair, Brookfield Sustainability Institute, George Brown College says “There’s truly no incentive for recycling clothes, which is why most people don’t do it. Moreover, even for the people who want to, there’s no fixed system for doing so. There’s no ‘waste bin’ for recycling fashion, and sure, some of us could go to the Salvation Army, but then again, there’s a lack of a financial incentive to just give away your clothes. SIXR’s business model has an effective fix for all those issues.”

Receive up to 12% of the garment’s cost as incentives, because good choices should be rewarded.

“Financial incentives work,” Gagan says, pointing out how the alcohol and soft drinks bottle industry sees a whopping 96% return rate. Copper, tin, and cast iron all see returns too, because of the financial incentive attached to them. SIXR brings that same incentive to clothes too, by allowing people to scan QR codes on their clothes to help activate a return process. Once the clothes are returned, people are given a financial reward in the form of discounts on their next purchase. This incentive drives the spirit of returning clothes after years of wearing them instead of simply discarding them or turning them into washcloths and rags.

Secure Pocket

Vijay Thomas, early investor and Chair of the board of SIXR says” The ‘QR Code’ driven incentive model oversimplifies the genius of SIXR’s solution. SIXR will curate sustainable brands and sustainable product lines from mainstream brands and will work with them right from the design stage to help with making the garments as sustainable as possible with principles like multi use of garments, sustainable materials, ethical labor practices, transparent supply chain, reduce returns through digital try on and timeless fashion. This helps SIXR with not just getting the sustainable brands and products on their platform but since all the information will be encapsulated inside the QR code on each garment, it will help with sorting the apparel based on the fabric type, color and accessories, which is arguably the biggest problem with recycling garments. The QR codes help SIXR create a more organized inventory of returned clothes, which can then either be fixed and resold, or recycled much more efficiently into yarn for the next set of garments, helping plug both the creation and the waste segments of the linear economy, turning it into a circular one.”

The uniqueness of the SIXR solution lies in the fact that it’s managed to build out an entire fashion ecosystem around the problem. Thrifting is easy but it doesn’t take care of torn or old garments. Recycling is hard because consumers don’t know how to. Moreover, neither has the solid financial incentive that SIXR is promising. The company’s launching its app alongside its first garment, the SIXR ‘For Tomorrow’ hoodie. Buying the hoodie will set you on SIXR’s recycling journey as its platform expands to include other brands and garment styles in the future.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69. Hurry, only 217/250 SIXR Hoodies left!

The post Can QR Code-driven Incentives Solve Fashion’s Trillion-Dollar Waste Problem? This Company Thinks So… first appeared on Yanko Design.

Vollebak’s newest hat can protect you from all elements forever

One aspect of ethical fashion, aside from how clothes are made, is also the sustainability of the clothing item itself. This means that the item should be long lasting so you don’t need to constantly change or update the pieces, therefore making you consume less. Vollebak is one such brand that prides itself in long lasting and “future-proof” fashion, coming up with pieces that are not just sustainably made but can last you years or maybe even forever. Their newest item is called the Planet Earth Hat V2 and it is headwear for all seasons, literally.

Designer: Vollebak

The hat is aptly named as it is able to be one with the planet when it comes to sustainable clothing as well as protect you from all the harsh elements you may encounter when traveling or going on adventures. The design is based on the boonie hat that military personnel wear but it has been enhanced with materials that can fit you whether you’re going to the jungle, desert, mountain, beach, trail, or maybe even just walking around the city. It is water repellent, fire resistant, quick drying, and is able to give you UPF 30+ UV-A, and UV-B protection.

It is made from 47% Kanecaron, a Japanese modacrylic fiber that is able to withstand fire and is also self-extinguishing. It is then woven with ultra thin carbon fibre filaments so that it gets an advanced ripstop to make the hat stronger. It also comes with a sunshield to protect your neck but in case you don’t need it, you can remove it easily and then re-attach it when needed as it uses military grade Velcro. There are also 36 vents built in and a soft, breathable mesh inside the lining so you get at least a bit of cooling feeling when in hot and humid weather.

The Planet Earth hat is probably not something you’ll need for every day use, unless you trek through deserts and other places with extreme weather regularly. But it is something that you should definitely have, especially if you believe in Vollebak’s philosophy and you’ve also tried out some of their other pieces of futuristic and future-proof clothing like jackets, pants, belts, and other hats. If you want something that will last you maybe forever and you have almost $400 to spare, then you can check it out.

The post Vollebak’s newest hat can protect you from all elements forever first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sunglasses with real glass lenses deliver unparalleled clarity and protection

It might sound like an oxymoron, but your run-of-the-mill sunglasses don’t actually use glass. To comply with certain legal regulations, “shades,” as we sometimes call them, have to use plastic or resin materials that are more resilient but have poorer optical quality. That’s true even for those expensive sunglasses, which will probably make you feel a bit cheated, especially when you notice how unclear your vision behind these plastics really is. Thankfully, the optics industry has reached a point where we can have the best of both worlds of durability and optical clarity, creating the industry’s first modern sunglasses made from actual glass, designed to deliver clarity, comfort, and protection to your eyes with an accessible price point.

Designer: Ilija Melentijevic, PhD (founder of Kolari Vision)

Click Here to Buy Now: $169. Hurry, offer ends soon!

These ‘plastic’ and ‘resin’ lenses come with a lot of responsibilities, given the fact that they’re tasked with protecting your eyesight. When you wear tinted sunglasses outdoors, your pupils dilate to let more light in – which effectively also exposes your eyes to more harmful rays… and while most lenses will block out UV rays, current sunglasses (even the expensive ones) aren’t designed to block infrared light from hitting your retina. It’s ironic that you can find IR-blocking lenses for your expensive cameras… but not for the most priceless camera we have: our eyes.

Enter Kolari Shades, a pair of sunglasses that is shaking up the market by bringing the highest-quality materials to a product you can actually afford. Harnessing more than a decade of experience in the photography space, Kolari brings a new kind of lens that is actually made of glass, providing the optical clarity that your eyes need all the time, whether you’re wearing sunglasses or not. But it’s not just plain glass, either, but the same ultra-strong Corning Gorilla Glass that has been protecting smartphone displays for years. And with 51 layers of anti-reflective and anti-smudge coating, your new premium specs are protected against scratches, dirt, dust, and more. Plus, it’s easy to clean the smudges off, too!

Kolari Shades are truly color-neutral and protect your eyes from all damaging wavelengths of light.

But while Kolari Shades’ glass lenses provide extra-clear vision, it doesn’t forget the protection that sunglasses are expected to bring. In fact, it levels up this aspect by blocking not only high-energy UV light but also low-energy infrared, both of which can be harmful to your sensitive eyes. It can even protect your privacy by blocking security cameras that use IR for face recognition. And it brings this superior protection without turning your world into a dreary shade of gray or brown. By using color-neutral coatings, you can stop worrying about those harmful and blinding rays and continue enjoying the world in full color.

Preserve your anonymity — Kolari Shades block infrared-based facial recognition systems.

Corning Gorilla Glass and titanium frames make the Kolari Shades extra tough.

The best part about the Kolari Shades is their affordable price tag, even though Kolari Shades are more costly to manufacture because of the premium materials used in the frames and lenses. It’s significantly less than luxury sunglasses that use plastic lenses, offer poorer optical quality, and strain your eyes in the long run. Why settle for plastic products that harm rather than protect your eyes when you can enjoy the optical quality that real glass lenses have to offer? With the Kolari Shades, you can enjoy durability, clarity, and protection in stylish sunglasses that don’t change the colors of your world.

Click Here to Buy Now: $169. Hurry, offer ends soon!

The post Sunglasses with real glass lenses deliver unparalleled clarity and protection first appeared on Yanko Design.

Etsy Announces ‘Berry’ As The 2024 Colour Of The Year Promoting A Romantic Shift From Pink To Maturity

In a deviation from the vibrant pinks that took center stage in 2023, Etsy, the online marketplace known for its unique and handcrafted items, has declared ‘Berry’ as its Color of the Year for 2024. Described as a color deeper than pink yet softer than red, Berry embodies a mature and romantic shade that resonates with the overarching theme of celebrating romance and a more sophisticated approach to life.

Designer: Etsy

The announcement of Berry as Etsy’s Color of the Year comes on the heels of the Barbie pink craze, since the release of the movie, that dominated 2023. While the bright and bold pink hues were widely embraced and loved, the shift towards Berry reflects changing consumer preferences. Etsy reports a 58% drop in searches for hot pink decor items, signaling a desire for a more nuanced and versatile color palette.

Berry’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a grown-up version of the popular pink trend. The color seamlessly blends rich reds and soothing blue tones, creating a deep yet soft hue that exudes elegance and romance. This sophisticated pop of color makes Berry a versatile choice, suitable for year-round use and integration into various aspects of life, including home decor and personal fashion.

Etsy anticipates that Berry will become a staple favorite, finding its way into a lot of handmade items showcased on the platform. From home decorations to fashion accessories, the color’s adaptability allows it to serve as the perfect backdrop for both subtle and statement pieces. This versatility ensures that Berry can effortlessly elevate any space or wardrobe with a touch of romance.

Etsy’s Color of the Year announcement aligns with a broader trend for 2024, celebrating the romanticization of life. The website encourages users to embrace this new romantic era by transforming their spaces into self-care sanctuaries or incorporating ballet-inspired flats and soft silky fabrics into their wardrobes. Berry becomes the symbol of this romantic shift, inviting individuals to infuse a sense of sophistication and depth into their lives.

As Etsy officially ushers in the romantic era of 2024 with the introduction of Berry as the Color of the Year, the marketplace’s global community of sellers and buyers is expected to embrace this charming hue. The transition from hot pink to Berry reflects evolving tastes and preferences, offering a fresh alternative that captures the essence of romance without compromising on maturity and versatility. Whether incorporated into home decor or personal fashion, Berry is set to leave its mark on the world of handmade and unique creations throughout the year.

The post Etsy Announces ‘Berry’ As The 2024 Colour Of The Year Promoting A Romantic Shift From Pink To Maturity first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Outdoor Clothing To Pack With You For Your Rough & Tough Adventures

If you are someone who loves spending time in the outdoors, whether it is camping, hiking, or trekking, then you’re well aware that you need the ultimate set of clothing. Being outdoors gives us a major relief from our hectic lives, allowing us to soak up some sun, and get in touch with nature. But at the same time, you have to get down and dirty, live life on the road, and tackle the moodiness of the elements. Hence you need the perfect set of apparel to protect you from harsh weather conditions, and the inconsistency of the elements. We’ve curated a collection of functional, protective, and exceptionally designed outdoor clothing for you. Have a look!

1. Aerogel Puffer

Dubbed the Aerogel Puffer, this jacket is made from the lightest solid material in the world, which is utilized to line spacesuits and insulate electronics. The jacket is pretty lightweight since Aerogel is made of individual neoprenes that are 10,000 times thinner than human hair.

Why is it noteworthy?

The jacket itself has advanced synthetic insulation and its outer shell uses ultra-lightweight yarn so that you’ll be protected from extreme cold weather (even -30 degrees!). Still, it also won’t weigh you down totally.

What we like

  • Features five zipped pockets, two large ones on the side to keep your hands warm and the others to hold your stuff like phone, wallet, keys, etc

What we dislike

  • Not sure if it’ll be as effective as puffer jackets made with down

2. UZE Heated Jacket

The UZE Heated Jacket changes the jacket game completely, providing you with a jacket that you can wear in all four seasons while allowing you to have the power to decide how warm you really want to be.

Why is it noteworthy?

It uses the same graphene technology that the brand uses for popular power banks. It features four graphene heat zones and three heat settings of 120°F, 140°F, and 160°F, so with the simple click of a button you can select the level of warmth that will be comfy and cozy for you.

What we like

  • Can keep you warm for up to 10 hours and charges in 45 minutes
  • 10x faster than your usual heated jacket

What we dislike

  • Available in black color, no other color options

3. Indestructible Hoodie

The Indestructible Hoodie is a high-durability design built using materials such as Cordura and Dyneema. It is designed for a comfy and neat fit, and is equipped with two side pockets for storage, and is wind-resistant as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

This hoodie looks like it was made for extreme athletes with a need for serious protection. Vollebak advertises it as being “highly abrasion and rip resistant,” even so far as being able to mitigate damage caused by an “extreme 4-way stretch”.

What we like

  • Lightweight and breathable design

What we dislike

  • A hefty price tag that may not be preferred by everyone

4. Omega Pants

The Omega Pants by Graphene-X is designed with a 3-layer fabric and can be used for any activity that requires pants. It is stretchable, waterproof, and can regulate your body temperature.

Why is it noteworthy?

The fabric as well as the construction of the pants help it play multiple roles. It is styled like a pair of all-purpose pants with removable leg pieces, so it can transform from full pants to a pair of durable everyday shorts within seconds.

What we like

  • Allows complete freedom of movement
  • The pants allow you to stretch around while rock climbing, trekking, or engaging in any outdoor activity

What we dislike

  • The pants run hot and don’t have enough vents to cool them down

5. The Indestructible Belt

Recently launched by Vollebak, the Indestructible Belt is designed to be the strongest belt ever made. It is designed to be a true marvel in engineering, as well as a major fashion statement that will definitely grab eyeballs.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Indestructible Belt is built with the ultimate strong core which is made from Dyneema – the single strongest fiber known to man today. Vollebak uses Dyneema in its Indestructible range. Dyneema is supposed to be 15 times stronger than steel, which basically signifies that the belt strap is only breakable if you hang more than 4 tonnes of it.

What we like

  • The buckle never releases under pressure and can tolerate 1.8 tonnes of force before it breaks apart

What we dislike

  • The price tag is quite heavy for a belt and may be considered unreasonable by some

6. Baubax

Baubax created the world’s best travel pants! They are designed and engineered for durability, comfort, and dirt-dust-stain resistance. They are comfortable, stylish as well as breathable.

Why is it noteworthy?

They’re engineered to be UV-resistant, anti-microbial, and anti-odor, allowing them to be worn for as long as 3 days without needing a wash. When you eventually do need to wash them, they wash easily and dry quickly.

What we like

  • Features five pockets
  • Available across trousers, chinos, leggings, and joggers

What we dislike

  • We’re not sure how comfy the pants will be to wear for longer durations

7. The Century Jacket

The Century Jacket is made using all-natural, non-synthetic fabrics, and is designed to be functional in 100 years. It is designed to be water, wind, fire, and abrasion-resistant, and is applicable for free repairs for life.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Century Jacket is designed for outdoor use and features a construction that is equal parts durable, comfortable, and functional. It is made using Ventile cotton which gives it its durability.

What we like

  •  Zipper-lined pockets on your chest and waist hold and store your EDC
  • The pockets are silk-lined for comfort and to protect your valuables

What we dislike

  • Not recommended to machine-wash it, as it may dampen its life cycle

8. Deep Sleep Cocoon

The Deep Sleep Cocoon is a jacket designed to aid you in sleeping almost anywhere, on Earth and off Earth. It draws inspiration from the protective exoskeleton of the woodlouse and the cocoons weaved by caterpillars.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Deep Sleep Cocoon is a self-contained microhabitat that will lull you to sleep whether you’re on a plane journey on Earth or on a space shuttle to Mars. The star of the jacket is its hood! Mimicking a visor on a space helmet, the hood has been crafted from five different segments, which can be conveniently folded over your face, forming a protective cocoon and allowing you to sleep peacefully.

What we like

  • Waterproof and windproof as well as abrasion-resistant
  • Perfect for catching some shut-eye irrespective of your location

What we dislike

  • The jacket is quite big and could occupy a substantial amount of space in your bag/suitcase

9. Carbon Fiber Shirt

This Carbon Fiber shirt is made using Carbon Fiber as its name implies, and it is a material that is found exclusively in jet engines, supercars, and missile housings. It is lighter than aluminum and stronger than steel.

Why is it noteworthy?

Designed to be worn close to the skin, the material is breathable, lightweight, and wicks moisture incredibly well. It is designed to last longer than any traditional t-shirt, even in the toughest of scenarios.

What we like

  • The fabric also protects your skin, preventing any damage from occurring to you

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics of the shirt are a bit unassuming, it could have been more stylish

10. Off Grid Shirt

Called the Off Grid shirt, this unique shirt was designed to help you live off the grid. It is made using materials before the grid even existed, and this shirt is designed to withstand ‘unconventional living’.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Off Grid shirt works rather well in heat and humidity, and just by virtue of its fabric, has these unique wrinkles on the shirt that contribute to its character. The shirt uses a proprietary blend of ramie (nettle fabric) and Pima cotton.

What we like

  • The shirt is ideal for humidity, as it wicks moisture well, and dries off quite fast

What we dislike

  • It has only 2 pockets, so could be considered less for those who prefer loads of hidden storage

The post Top 10 Outdoor Clothing To Pack With You For Your Rough & Tough Adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.

Champion sweatshirts and joggers are biodegradable and sustainable

Have you ever had one of those dreams, or rather, nightmares, when your clothes suddenly fall off your body like it was decomposing or something? That will probably not happen in real life, at least not instantly. But for those who are pursuing sustainable fashion, this is actually a good dream and not a nightmare. We’re seeing clothing brands experiment with biodegradable clothing and Champion is one such brand to do so.

Designer: Champion

The Reverse Weave Eco Future Collection is a line of biodegradable sweatshirt and joggers made from sustainable materials. You can wear it repeatedly until it naturally breaks down and decomposes over time. They use the CiCLO technology which helps bring about this natural decomposition process over time and help reduce the impact of plastic textile fibers and lessen microfiber pollution which is one of the major effects of the clothing industry on our carbon footprint.

The technology uses an additive that is combined with polyester and nylon during the fiber-making process. The process called melt extrusion turns them into liquid when heated and then they are turned into long threads. Other elements of the sweatshirts and joggers also use eco-friendly materials like the tags and labels ause pure cotton while the hangtags are printed with soybean ink. Even the colors used are from dyes extracted from pomegranate rinds, annatto, Terminalia Chebula fruit crusts, and kerria lacca insects.

In terms of the design, the sweatshirts and joggers in the Reverse Weave Eco Future Collection are just your usual. They do look comfortable since they’re oversized and unisex, so that’s another plus. The joggers have hip pockets and a drawcord waist for added comfort. But of course the main reason why you’d want any of these pieces is that they are biodegradable and friendly to Mother Earth. They’re available in different sizes and colors so there’s a variety to choose from.

The post Champion sweatshirts and joggers are biodegradable and sustainable first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Fashionable + Functional Gear for Urban Men & Their Modern Needs

If youre an urban modern man, living a hectic but fulfilling life in the city, then you know that looking good is a must. When you dress well, and carry yourself well, a whole lot of doors open, and you’re always regarded with a certain degree of respect and admiration. Besides picking the perfect set of clothes, and great looking shoes, it’s also essential to have a set of fashionable gear with you. From a functional but sleek wallet, to an excellent watch, or even the ideal belt – great care must be made when picking your fashion gear. And, we’ve curated a collection of fashionable and functional gear for the urban men out there. Have a look!

1. Fantom X

FantomX

The Fantom X is designed as little as 0.3 inches in thickness and is the slimmest wallet made without sacrificing security, durability, and modularity.

Why is it noteworthy?

With the ability to hold anywhere from 4 to 13 cards, and also the option of adding modules for holding coins, banknotes, keys, and even AirTags, the Fantom X is the perfect blend of minimalism and materialism. And if that somehow wasn’t enough, it also comes with a lifetime warranty!

What we like

  • Crafted from highly durable Cerakote aluminum

What we dislike

  • The wallet is made of two pieces of CNCed aluminum connected, so we’re unsure if it would break if the wallet was to be dropped and hit just right

2. Eye Of Horus Watch

The Eye of Horus watch from the CIGA Design X Series merges Egyptian mythology and modern craftsmanship into one mesmerizing and good-looking timepiece. The Eye of Horus occupies a special place in ancient Egypt and contemporary symbolism. It represents power, luck, and rejuvenation.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199 $269 (26% off). Hurry, only 2 left!

Why is it noteworthy?

This powerful symbol is embedded inside the triangle which also serves as the second hand, and it functions as the visual and spiritual center of the watch, building an air of mystery and spirituality irrespective of your beliefs.

What we like

  • Features a transparent design giving a 360-degree view of all the intricate machinery for everyone to see

What we dislike

  • The triangular second hand takes sometime to get accustomed to

3. Bucqle

If you have a pair of pants that you completely adore, but can never wear because they almost always slip off your waist, then worry not, Bucqle is here to the rescue! It’s a metal buckle that clips around the waist-rim of your pants and tightens it by as much as 2 inches.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Bucqle’s radical redesign isn’t just different, it’s exceptionally better. The Bucqle slips right into your pant and clamps shut, showing up as just a minimal-looking silver bar right above your pants.

What we like

  • Works equally well with formal pants as it does with shorts, skirts, and even pajamas

What we dislike

  • While it is uniquely functional, the Bucqle takes away the fashion element of dressing up, where the belt of your choice doubles up as an accessory.

4. The Wilsdorf Collection

The Wilsdorf Collection is an ingenious product that combines a cufflink and a watch into one single unique piece. It cant be any watch, since you’ll mostly need it in formal functions.

Why is it noteworthy?

Each of the four pieces in this fashionable set is a homage to an iconic Rolex luxury watch, giving each miniature watch not only a luxurious appearance but also a clear connection to some of the industry’s most-loved timepieces from the brand.

What we like

  • Cant be easily damaged despite always being exposed

What we dislike

  • There’s a fear of losing the cufflinks if not taken care of properly

5. The Montblanc TWS Earbuds

The Montblanc TWS Earbuds are a conceptual pair of ear-candy designed by Jinwoo Hong. They’re super classy and sport an insignia on the outside, which allows people to notice the brand from far away.

Why is it noteworthy?

These conceptual Montblanc TWS earbuds have the appeal of cufflinks, with their monochrome design and bold use of Montblanc’s insignia. The earbuds, rather compact, rest in an all-black case with a matte-gloss interplay for drama.

What we like

  • Feature silicone tips to ensure a perfect seal when in the ear

What we dislike

  • Would love to hear some real-world reviews on this design once it is in production

6. The Full Leather Wallet Case

The Full Leather Wallet Case is designed to keep your iPhone 15 Pro protected while also ensuring it looks great. It is clad in premium European leather tanned in the Netherlands, with remarkable grain and an option between black, brown, and blue finishes.

Why is it noteworthy?

Each Wallet Case comes with a slot stitched into the back that holds two cards that you can easily fish out whenever you need… and unlike MagSafe, the wallet doesn’t accidentally detach while you pull your phone out of your pocket.

What we like

  • Use the highest-quality leather and are tanned using a special DriTan process

What we dislike

  • You need to remove the cards when you charge the phone using MagSafe

7. ModernTie Modular Magnetic Necktie

The ModernTie Modular Magnetic Necktie is a modern accessory that helps you wear your tie in a new and exciting way. It is made using recycled pill bottles and is quite eco-friendly and easy to use.

Why is it noteworthy?

Two magnets hold the tie to the knot and snap them together to form a strong bond. It is quite easy to put on and is also more comfortable than a traditional tie since no material goes around your neck.

What we like

  • Available in two lightweight styles, three basic colors, and three sizes to provide an ideal fit

What we dislike

  • Some people may prefer the aesthetic of a traditional tie

8. P’8951

These sleek and good-looking glasses are designed as a part of Porche’s Iconic Machined Series, and they come machined from a solid block of aluminum, giving them a rather edgy and cool aesthetic.

Why is it noteworthy?

Each pair of glasses sports an outline-style frame with a single-piece lens sitting in the middle, connecting both eyes right above the nose bridge. The glasses come from Porsche Design, a luxury lifestyle brand created by F.A. Porsche, the grandson of the legendary automotive company’s founder.

What we like

  • Has Cybertruck-inspired aesthetics with Porsche style

What we dislike

  • Since the sunglasses are CNC machined, they are heavier and more expensive

9. The Dango M1 Lite Cardholder Wallet

The Dango M1 Lite cardholder wallet is a sleek and minimalist wallet that keeps all your essentials neat, tidy, organized, and easily accessible. The wallet has a barely-there form but a ton of capacity to store your necessary items.

Why is it noteworthy?

The wallet features CNC-machined aerospace 6061-grade aluminum and is quite lightweight and durable. It also features a Cerakote finish that provides it with an extra layer of protection.

What we like

  • Ample amount of storage. It can carry 10-13 cards
  • Equipped with a Dango RFID Secured Card, ensuring that your sensitive information is always safe and secure

What we dislike

  • Basic + unassuming aesthetics

10. ThinOPTICS

You don’t have to worry about forgetting your reading glasses with the ThinOPTICS. They are stick-anywhere reading glasses that have been specially designed for those who are on the go.

Why is it noteworthy?

They’re quite lightweight and thin, making them pretty easy to carry. You can carry them in almost anything, and get rid of the bulky cases that are often a big pain to carry.

What we like

  • They come in a variety of colors to pick from, which are quite fashionable as well

What we dislike

  • They offer a limited range of strengths, which isn’t great for those who have a stronger number

The post Top 10 Fashionable + Functional Gear for Urban Men & Their Modern Needs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nike Alphafly 3 Proto lets you run a marathon comfortably and fashionably

I know a lot of people whose holiday gift wish list would be a pair of sneakers, specifically a pair of Nike sneakers. Those who are too old for Santa would probably post their dream sneaks on their social media in the hopes that one of their loved ones would grant their wish. If you’re planning to do a bit of long-distance running, this new pair from Nike is something you can dream about.

Designer: Nike

The Alphafly 3 Proto is created specifically for those who are looking for sneakers that can withstand two-hour marathons and beyond. It has actually been tested by actual marathoners like world record holder Kelvin Kiptum famed middle and long distance runner Sifan Hassan. Nike says these shoes are “fine-tuned for marathon speed” so you can challenge yourself to beat your personal records and if you’re into competitive running, to leave others in the dust.

These sneakers are special because of three kinds of innovative technologies that can power your run (or walk). You get two forefoot Air Zoom units together with the ZoomX foam so you get energized no matter how long you’ve been running. There is also a full-length carbon fiber plate which helps propel your stride. Lastly, you get the heel-to-toe ZoomX foam midsole so you’re still comfortably walking or running whether it’s mile 1 or mile 26.2.

The Alphafly 3 Proto is also the lightest in this line and has an Atomknit upper that will give your feet room to breathe and at the same time have better multidirectional containment. It also has notched laces and an integrated knit tongue with lofted padding. You will have to wait for the new year to get your hands on this pair though as it will only be available by January.

The post Nike Alphafly 3 Proto lets you run a marathon comfortably and fashionably first appeared on Yanko Design.