Shark Tank: ViewSPORT. Sweat Activated Apparel?

Friday nights are pretty low-key around the Tug household. After a busy week, I just like to kick back with the Mrs., a drink (yes alcoholic), and catch up on shows.

One of our favorites is Shark Tank and it’s one of the few shows we’ll watch live.

Last night’s episode included the entrepreneur (Ben Wood) who created/invented the Sweat Activated Technology of ViewSPORT apparel.  Asking for, but not receiving $500,000 for a 20% stake in his business, Ben tried to convince the Sharks (11:30 min in) that his patent-pending technology was the next big thing in sports apparel.

How it works: When sweat/water comes into contact with the garment, an invisible message or image will appear. Think of it like using an invisible ink pen and a black light. The business apparel idea revolves having an inspirational message pre-applied to the garment, and as a result of hard work (sweat) the message shows through.

The image here shows the result. While I’m not sure exactly how the technology works, I visualize it as a cross between a super moisture wicking application and scotch guard. I’m certain it’s not that, but that’s the first thing that popped into my head.

My problem with the concept is that while I love to sweat at the gym, the clothes that get the lion share of the sweat abuse on me is my base layers, not the t-shirt that I wear on top of it all. So, the visible sweat on my outer t-shirt is concentrated in areas where it comes into contact most with my body – the neck area and upper back. Not where the messages in the photos show.

Although I’m not overweight, I’m not in such great condition where I want to wear a close fitting shirt to the gym as my outer layer. Call me self-conscious.

A message on my back won’t motivate me to workout harder, and I although I’m open to the idea of the message appearing on the front, I don’t think it would be very visible in how I would be wearing the t-shirt. A novel idea, yes, but I don’t know that I’m the right consumer for the product.

What do you guys think?

9 thoughts on “Shark Tank: ViewSPORT. Sweat Activated Apparel?”

  1. This isnt revolutionary. You can make the exact same thing in 5 minutes anda trip to wal-mart. You just need a stencil and 3M Scotch Guard or any waterproofing spray for shoes.

    Reply
  2. The sharks missed a major opportunity with this one. If personalized these would sell to every high school in the nation. Where can I buy one of these?

    Reply
  3. I have been thinking about this kind of shirt for a couple years now ever since I just stare at my blank T-shirt at the gym. Do you have a place I can go to buy one of these or research some background knowledge on how this works?

    I look forward to rocking one of these shirts one day.

    Joe

    Reply
  4. To whom it may concern,

    I watched the show ‘Shark Tank’ the other night and saw the ViewSPORT product. I know it didn’t appeal to the sharks, and it didn’t appeal to me either. But it sparked my interest, and I have an idea for the product that might help, and garner some attention.

    I’ m rather young, and don’t really know much about business, but this idea has really been bugging me. I’d like to get it to you.

    If you are interested, please get back to me.

    Thank you,
    Julie B

    Reply
    • hey brian – thanks for stopping by and commenting! well the guys shirts only cost $26 so they’re not too expensive.

      if you decide to buy one/some, after you get it and have time to test it, be sure to come back here and let me know what you think of it.

      keep an eye out for another article coming out today that will be showcasing a very similar product to viewsport. not sure who’s technology will get the patent though.

      Reply

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