the wadden sea society asked wearable technology designer pauline van dongen and clothing brand blue loop originals to design a solar windbreaker that could provide their tour guides comfort, functionality and sustainable energy simultaneously.



the sustainable windbreaker offers protection and electricity

all images by roos van de kieft

tour-guides at the wadden sea islands, netherlands introduce hikers to the beautiful seascapes during ebb-tide, offering individuals the opportunity to walk and explore the soil ground of the sea. the various expeditions can take from 2 up to 10 hours away from the mainland, and the team wanted to improve the experience of these adventures for participants.



the garment is both wind and water resistant

the resulting garment is a durable and water-resistant unisex jacket designed to offer shelter, plus sustainable energy through the incorporation of thin solar panels that not only serve as a utility, but also an aesthetic feature—adding a distinctive look that is innovative, yet modest in its minimalist style. the graphite colored jacket designed by pauline van dongen is made up of upcycled denim yarns by blue loop originals; combined with a recycled polyester and waterproof finish. the combination of the materials offers a distinctive look that’s innovative, yet modest in its minimalist style. developed with the aim of high functionality, the waterproof jacket features five pockets and has a hood, which can be stored behind a zipper in the collar.



a powerbank inside the lining of the jacket allows users to charge any kind of portable device

to provide the wearer with instant sustainable energy, three solar panels are integrated directly into the garment by process of lamination. using efficient thin-film and flexible solar panels, provided by alta devices, the solar energy accumulated in the custom made lightweight charging module can charge a typical smartphone in 1 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions. with a power bank placed directly in the lining of the jacket, the windbreaker allows the user to charge any kind of portable device—from phone to camera to GPS navigation in any kind of weather.

three solar panels are integrated into the garment by process of lamination

the jacket is equipped with an inductive charging system, allowing users to wirelessly charge their smartphone while other portable devices can be charged with a USB cable; with smartphones charging in about 2 hours. the wadden sea tour guides put the windbreakers to the test during the summer, to see how the novel wearables faired during their tours. with their user-feedback the jackets will be enhanced in preparation for their future production.

the solar panels not only provide utility, but aesthetic qualities

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