I am looking to integrate speakers into the skirt of a dress.  They will be detachable, so washing will not be an issue.  But, I do need to find something flat and light weight that will be audible within the wearer's immediate environment.  It doesn't have to be heard in a large room of people, but it should be for those right around the wearer.  Has anyone explored the use of speakers in clothing and want to offer an opinion on this?

I could imagine to use NXT sound surface speaker system. Check out on our blog about the various NXT based speaker products like bags and pouches.

You could buy a sound pouch, as far as I know they are available in most department stores and audio player accessory shops. Take is carefully apart and you will see how it works. You could use the complete unit of a pouch or you take carefully off the so called 'exiter' unit which you can glue on a somewhat stiff surface to use your own design material.

You don't get HiFi quality sound but decent enough sound for the usage model you describe.

Thank you,

I can't wait to try it out.

Hi as you can see I am new hear but I am looking for a design for an upcoming show. I would like if possible a t shirt design with a good quality speaker system that I can connect into an ipod or iphone. I can provide the T shirt or you can possibly design one with some additional light emitting style.

I  added speakers to a garment awhile back and it worked GREAT! I basically took apart a quality flat speaker by removing the heavy exterior cover and then attached a lightweight plastic that I drilled holes into (to make it extra lightweight). Here is the old link:http://www.alisonlewis.com/projects/closer/image.html

These are the speakers I used at the time: http://www.amazon.com/Sonic-Impact-Portable-Computer-3-Speaker/dp/B000087H9W

but if I were to do it today --- i'd probably find a way to use one of these:

http://www.bellybuds.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Insignia-Flat-Panel-Portable-Speakers-2-Piece/dp/B001LBVCQS/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1266975842&sr=1-7

http://www.noiseaddicts.com/2009/04/thinnest-speakers-in-the-world-flat-flexible/

On another note, there is a DIY tutorial in the book "switch craft" on how to make snap-in and snap out speakers using regular fashion snaps.