Move Over SCOTTeVEST, iClothing for the iPad is the New Accessory

Keeping up with the latest trends in fashion is not unlike staying tuned to advances in mobile technology. Both industries are constantly changing and making improvements in design and function. But what happens when clothing designers actually use the latest gadget as part of a new line of business and street wear? An entirely new phenomenon in fashion, otherwise known as "iClothing."

Fashion designers from Australia to New York City have created both formal and casual wear to accommodate tech-savvy consumers who are always on the go and need to stay wired throughout the day. Creating innovative designs to carry, conceal and access all that gear without the bulk seems to be the new challenge for these designers. Now, with the release of the iPad, leaders in the tech fashion world are finding more clever ways to conceal the iPad, along with iPhones, iPods, and any other gadget that could possibly fit inside a single garment.

New York City fashion designer Mohan Ramchandani is the first to create an iPad pocket in menswear. Mohan representative, Deena Rosenberg, tells dealnews that because the iPad 2 is thinner and lighter, the custom tailor will make modifications on the pocket in order to make the iPad even more inconspicuous. "We create many customized suits for various tech needs, such as Blackberrys, iPods, iPads and iPhones," she says. Mohan's menswear isn't limited to businessmen, however. Anthony Mason, Patrick Ewing and Darryl Strawberry are also a few of Mohan's esteemed clients.

If you don't happen to be a famous basketball player, or work on Wall Street, Australian fashion designer Davina Reichman has your back. Reichman and her business partner, Luke Staley, designed the more casual and affordable iClothing line that includes various items with pouches for iPads and other devices. In a press release, Reichman says, "We couldn't believe no one had come up with this idea before."

Currently, the iDress is completely sold out, and many of the more popular sizes and colors of the iTee are also sold out. While this may reflect the trendy nature of the new "iTire," it doesn't say anything about their comfort and functionality. dealnews asked a few people to share their opinions about any gadget-accommodating clothing that they have purchased and wear often.

Comedian and actor, Dan Nainan says his iTee is "absolutely fantastic" in terms of carrying around his iPad, even though the black case isn't as "virtually undetectable" as the designers claim it is when pocketed inside the white tee. Now that Nainan owns an iPad 2 (in white) he says, "I can actually conceal my white iPad 2 in the front pocket, and if I wear a jacket or sweater that has the zipper up, you can't even tell that I have the iPad in the pocket." Nainan says the iTee was definitely worth the money, which sells for $39.95 (when it's available) on the iClothing website.

Other clothing companies have similar designs, such as Old Navy's new Techno Hoodie (not currently available online), and some of the more innovative designers have combined the ability to hide multiple mobile devices with additional functional features. The new women's trench coat from Scottevest features 18 pockets inside the coat, and it is made with material that is waterproof, breathable, stain-proof and machine-washable. Scottevest designs is probably most well-known for its travel vest, which has gained popularity now that it has a new "iPad-compatible" stamp on its design.

Daniel Rasmus loves his travel vest, even if it isn't as advanced as the newer designs, because it is an indispensable travel item. "It's like having a third carry-on item, but one that you don't have to put under your seat," Rasmus tells dealnews. He also says that the vest is perfect for traveling to foreign cities: "You can carry stuff you don't want to leave in your hotel room with the advantage of concealing all of your valuables as you tour the city."

In his post on iClothing, the blogger known as "The Samurai Radiologist" calls the ScotteVest "the perfect layered garment for a geek."

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