A fashion collection by Dutch designer Pauline Van Dongen incorporates solar panels into clothing, enabling the wearer to charge their phone. 

Van Dongen worked with scientist Christian Holland and solar expert Gert Jan Jongerden to create the Wearable Solar collection. The concept is about integrating fashion with technology to a level beyond the realm of wearable tech, whereby technology is wholly integrated into garments.

The solar cells can be manipulated to face the sunlight, while additional panels concealed in leather flaps can be hidden when not in use. Designer Van Dongen says that after one hour exposed to sunlight, the futuristic-looking, lightweight garments can charge a standard smartphone up to 50%.

Van Dongen presented the collection at wearable technology event Wearable Futures in London in December. See our blog on solar-powered sunglasses for another example of generating sustainable energy by simply wearing a piece.