Clothing line charges your gadgets on the go

Smartphones have a frustrating propensity to die just when you need them most. That’s why the U.S.-based company BauBax has created clothing and accessories, including jackets, pants, shorts and smartphone cases and wallets, with internal charging pads to keep your electronics fully charged.

Last year, the brand released the 15-pocket windbreaker — dubbed the “Swiss army knife of travel jackets”—which carries a neck pillow, hood, gloves, drinks and portable chargers. CEO and Co-founder Hiral Sanghavi, who is currently seeking backing on Kickstarter, explains why he wants “charging smartphones to be as seamless and easy as putting your phone in your pocket.”

Why did you come up with the idea to create this charging system?

We were doing extensive business travel in Asia and our team was constantly running out of battery power on our smartphones, especially because we were always using GPS for directions. We needed our phones to be charged for our directions and safety. We decided then and there that there had to be a better way, so we decided to make it happen and bring wireless charging to the pockets of clothing.

How does it work?

We have engineered the world’s thinnest (.08 inch) wireless charging pad. We have integrated the charging pad into our garments. It works with Android, Apple and all devices, using Qi wireless charging technology.

Do we need the entire range or does the line have essentials?

Our wireless charging apparel is very customizable, so it’s totally up to the individual. Our wireless charging jackets and pants come with a battery bank. This battery bank goes in a pocket and feeds power to the wireless charging pad which is inside the fabric of the jackets.

So the starting option is our jackets, pants or shorts. For music lovers we recommend our wireless Bluetooth earbuds which charge on the collar of our jackets. We also recommend one of our stylish slim wallets to hold the battery bank along with a home charging pad so you can charge your battery bank and smartphone at night at home by simply dropping them on it. Customers can also buy a wristlet for charging their smartphone and Bluetooth earbuds.

There are other wireless charging devices on the market. Why are yours better?

We believe BauBax is the most customizable and lightweight wireless charging apparel ever made. We are also the first to combine smartphone and Bluetooth earphone charging in the same apparel. Users can charge both simultaneously. We have made the thinnest wireless charging pad in our fully washable clothing — so it’s very thin and lightweight.

How much time is needed to charge a phone with your system?

It takes two to four hours to charge a phone in our jackets or pant pockets. It’s also ideal for quickly topping up a smartphone in a pocket so users never lose power.

What benefits does your charging system provide?

Total freedom from the worries of running out of battery power — especially when you need it most—at airports, using GPS in unfamiliar cities or if you’re out for the day in remote places, etc. Our jackets also have a built in inflatable neck pillow, eye mask, smart pockets for tablets, passports, and everything you need when traveling.

What’s next?

Stay tuned—more innovative smart apparel with even more features is on the horizon.

—Dmitry Belyaev