Register Hardware’s hacks wouldn’t be seen dead in flares or walk around the with seat of our pants a foot below our bum cracks. We're not unusual, Microsoft tells us, because technology is increasingly replacing clothing as a fashion-defining medium.

A recent report by the software giant concluded that a new breed of style-conscious consumer is emerging who is willing to fling out the Fahri in favour of the latest must-have gadget.

Perhaps like swapping out a clunky Windows Mobile-based handset for a sexy Android smartphone?

Over 1000 UK consumers aged between 18 and 55 were questioned by Microsoft, and 40 per cent admitted that the style and appearance of a given gadget is now much more important to them than it was five years ago.

A massive 43 per cent of those surveyed also said they would rather spend their money on a piece of technology than an item of clothing. Six out of ten respondents even confessed to leaving a new gadget on the table for envious friends to gape at, Microsoft discovered.

Instead of blaming the results on Apple's strong attention to gadget aesthetics, Microsoft said that the growing trend of mobile working means more people want to be seen using sexy gadgets if they’re forced to send emails while sitting in the park... before handing them over to a large gentleman with a knife and a low brow.

Perhaps Microsoft will take heed of the research’s findings and finally release some its own gadgets into Blighty. Zune HD, anyone? ®