The role of technology in the fashion industry has brought about many changes. From the production and distribution of clothing to communication between designers, manufacturers, and consumers. Not only has technology revolutionized the way we develop clothes, but it also changes the way we purchase them. Designers and consumers synonymously work to keep up with trends in the fashion world, but technology is working to make it even easier. Here are just a few ways technology has changed the fashion industry for the better.
Leading edge materials
Through technology, innovators in the fashion industry develop and create new materials for goals of durability, flexibility, safety, refreshed textures and textiles, and more. Because of technology, the fashion industry is experimenting with new fabrics including:
- Synthetic materials mimic limited-supply natural fibers at a lower cost and may improve functioning for their designed purpose. For example, polyester, nylon, and spandex are more durable, wrinkle-resistant, and often easier to care for. Jeans have also been improved with synthetic fabrics in jeans to make them stretchier and more comfortable.
- Eco-friendly materials allow for improved sustainability practices in the fashion industry. As the demand for businesses to enhance their business practices in the fight against climate change, technology permits developers to produce more eco-friendly materials in clothing design. Organic cotton, bamboo, and Tencel lower the environmental impact of these materials and often need less water and pesticides.
- Technical fabrics developed using technology allow for the design of clothes to serve different functions. The development of these materials may offer moisture-wicking abilities, and provide UV protection, or thermal insulation. For example, clothes you wear in the snow often offer these technical advantages. Another example is running shoes that implement cooling designs.
3D modeled & printed fashion
3D modeling and printing in the fashion industry revolutionize the way we developed and produce clothing. 3D modeling and printing allow fashion designers to produce detailed models of their designs. Using this technology allowed designers to test the function and form of their pieces before sending them to production. Improvements in 3D modeling technology allow for a reduction in mistakes and increased waste as a byproduct of these errors allowing for an increase in sustainability.
In addition, using 3D printing and modeling, many companies can design made-to-fit clothing tailed to the consumer’s fashion preferences and body measurements. As the world benefits from these technologies, so do the businesses themselves. Using 3D printing, clothing companies can reduce their time and costs for production through these automation advancements and eliminate their need for expensive molds and tools for clothing design. Consumers may also try clothes they find through online retailers using virtual try-on technology.
Online shopping
There are many ways technology has improved online shopping for consumers looking for new clothes, expanding brands potential reach to a global customer base. Whereas in the past shoppers would have to find professional clothes, dresses, and more in physical retail spaces, the development of e-commerce platforms of online marketplaces and retail websites allows customers to browse for clothes online. From used clothing to clothing hand-picked based on your style preferences, there are many ways technology improves consumer experience in online retail spaces.
Through AI, machine learning, and data collection, an online clothing retailer can enhance the browser experience through personalized recommendations. Produced using this technology, retailers may offer better search and filtering capabilities allowing shoppers to browse by size, color, brand, material, price, and more. For example, if a consumer has a history of buying bold, colorful women’s clothing, the system will not suggest a beige cardigan. Instead of using these technologies, the customer, in this case, would be far more likely to purchase statement-style clothing, improving conversions for these online retailers.
Social media
Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, have a significant impact on daily life, but also on the fashion industry. Smaller brands and designers can increase brand awareness and recognition using social media. By posting through these various platforms, small businesses in the fashion industry may increase their visibility and reach, whereas, in the past, they were challenging to find.
Through the rise of influencers, small clothing companies can work with these influencers with large followings to promote their products and increase brand awareness. Social media used as a tool for these companies, allows them to engage directly with customers and their audience. By using customer feedback and engagement online, businesses can get real-time data to improve product design and marketing strategies, and identify consumer trends.
Social media also allows businesses to employ direct-to-consumer strategies. By leveraging social media in marketing efforts, businesses can sell their products directly through these apps. This means that small fashion retailers can engage customers, market their products, and sell products all from a single social media platform.
Improved supply chain management
Improvements to supply chain management in the fashion industry allow for improved efficiency and visibility. Digital inventory management systems, RFID tagging, and GPS tracking allow businesses to monitor product movement and inventory. AI and machine learning also impact the industry by optimizing supply chain operations. These technological advancements also help manufacturers and designers predict demand for various products and clothing items like bras, accessories, and more, and improve the forecasting of consumer trends.
These technological capabilities allow companies in the fashion industry to improve planning in their production process while also reducing waste and shortages because deadstock and stockouts decrease. Digital platforms allow for improved communication between companies in your supply chain. Through cloud-based systems, companies working together can collaborate in real-time, share data, and improve responsiveness.
Blockchain technology
Blockchain is another way technology impacts the fashion industry. Blockchain technology creates a secure digital record of a product’s authenticity, which helps combat the problem of counterfeit goods in the fashion industry. In addition, companies use blockchain technology to create a digital record of their product’s journey from the raw materials stage to the shipping process, which improves supply chain transparency. Because of increased supply chain transparency, consumers can hold businesses more accountable to ensure they’re ethically and sustainably sourcing their products.
Technology for the fashion industry
In summary, it’s clear technology improves the way we live, but also the clothes we buy. Clothing companies benefit from technology due to improved efficiency, personalization, new designs, and fresh fabrics. In addition to the production process, smaller brands have the opportunity to go viral and become major brands through the rise of social media and the marketing tactics they employ on these platforms. Since technology is constantly in flux and evolving, the fashion industry will need to adapt and keep up to see success.
About the Guest Author: Megan Isola
Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.