App advises on right outfit for all climates

James Cleary has created the app Cloakroom, which helps people choose clothes according to the weather

Even the most organised of outings fall victim to the elements as June skies turn black with the brolly still resting in the coatstand,

But a new mobile phone app by a Capital-based development company is about to put a stop to such weather woes.

Dubbed Cloakroom, the cutting-edge programme identifies shifting weather patterns to advise day-trippers on the best choice of clothing for their excursion – from flip-flops and sunscreen to snow suits and earmuffs.

Developed by digital studio Lewis, the quirky app is already going viral and has even been hailed by Sony as their “app of the month”.

According to 28-year-old web developer James Cleary, who created Cloakroom, the app will help thousands around the world avoid bad fashion choices in uncertain weather.

“Originally the idea came from the realisation that most weather apps suffer from information overload,” he said.

“Rather than building a replacement, I thought it might be nice to have something visual, clear and simple to go alongside them – just showing the extra items you’ll need for the day ahead.”

He added that the programme’s clever design was driven almost single-handedly by the unpredictable weather patterns prevalent in Edinburgh.

“I guess you could say the app was inspired by a number of run-ins with bad  weather,” he said.

“Things seem to move a season a minute in Edinburgh, and I think we’ve all been caught out once or twice without an umbrella or a pair of gloves.

“But Cloakroom is so much more.”

The app also allows users to personalise their experience by removing fashion options that don’t chime with their sense of style such as hats or sandals.

And it features a ‘Cautious Mode’ – inspired by Mr Cleary’s wife due to her tendency to be more susceptible to the cold.

A spokesman for Sony said: “We think Cloakroom is an app to watch out for.”

Cloakroom is the Edinburgh development company’s first sortie into Android applications.

Musselburgh resident Mr Cleary created Cloakroom in his spare time, and it is his first published app.

“This is a very new experience for me, I’ve dabbled in app development before, but I only really got into it within the last year,” he said. “I’m amazed at the positive reception it’s had, it just shows how such a simple idea can really take off.”

Cloakroom is available to download globally – and is only available in English