gravitytank + betabrand's transit jacket is perfect for germaphobes

gravitytank + betabrand’s transit jacket is perfect for germaphobes
all images courtesy of betabrand

millions of public transit riders, are bombarded by signs of cold and flu season. in the winter of 2013, gravitytank, an innovation consultancy, studied germs and shadowed commuters. this led to the development of a concept called ‘straphanger’—a line of clothing designed to keep you safe from germs. after generating a large amount of interest, the agency teamed up with betabrand, a san francisco apparel company, to bring the ‘germinator transit jacket‘ to life. 

the project stems from the idea that the act of commuting can be convenient and responsible, but it can also be gross. sometimes it’s great—your connections sync up perfectly, there’s an open seat waiting for you, and your driver wishes you a good day on your way out. then there are the other times. occasions when the bus is so full that the air is a thick brew of backwashed breath and you wish you could turn off your sense of smell, at least until you escape to the next car.

the jacket was designed by gravitytank after studying the transfer of germs and observing and interviewing commuters

in response, the garment implements specific characteristics to handle the actions required for a person’s daily trip to the workplace. the collar is constructed from an anti-microbial liner that helps you protect yourself from uncovered sneezes. within the sleeve, an integrated transit pass pocket is easily accessible so you don’t have to touch unclean surfaces when you get onto a train or bus. removable anti-microbial cuffs ensure that your hands will stay protected as you grab onto any pole or railing. once you’re aboard and finally in motion, extra large, vented pockets allow you to quickly cool down.

a high collar with X-static antimicrobial lining that lets you discreetly protect yourself


a built-in transit pass holder expedites fumble-free boarding 

antimicrobial cuffs provide a layer of protection so you never have to touch poles again

gravitytank collaborated with betabrand, a san francisco apparel company 

trying out the prototype

diagram of the project’s features

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.