Fabric, meet sound
An industry first, and the first headphone in the world to feature knit technology.
Launched in 2019, after an extensive period of material development, this knit headphone debuted a brand new design aesthetic for the category. This new language of emotional materials was intended to bring in more apparel-like feel instead of just plastics and metal. With a form that is contoured to the body unlike other neckband headphones, they have a natural contoured feel that no neckbands can match.
Disciplines
Industrial Design
Design Language
Ergonomics
Product Architecture
UX
Color, Material, Finish
Client
Sol Republic
New influences
Wearing a headphone around the neck needed to shake its persona associated with IT workers and soccer moms. We pulled in new influences from streetwear and contemporary fashion and materials to put a fresh spin on the category. Neckbands needed an infusion of modern style, not more consumer electronics references.
Neckbands rarely stay in place and don’t always feel good against the skin. We created a fit-chassis based on years of experience working on form factors that sit on the shoulders that would fit close, and look natural when worn.
We worked on developing a custom knit material and pushed the boundaries of scale. A dense knit with this scale and ombre color gradation had never been done before.
