Fashion has always been at the leading edge of innovation, from the creation of the sewing machine to the rise of e-commerce. Fashion, like technology, is innovative and recursive. And, more than ever before, fashion technology is advancing at a breakneck pace.
As one of the world’s largest industries, it is expected to reach $3.3 trillion by 2030. Technology isn’t the first thing a consumer thinks of when they think of fashion. However, as industry insiders will tell you, technology has been a part of the industry since its inception. Initially, it was the technology that enabled mass production that catapulted the industry’s exponential growth.
With the rapid advancement of technology around the world, this relationship between fashion and technology is only going to get stronger. While technological fashion is not new. The recent emphasis on the digital world and its associated benefits requires the industry to carefully explore ways to leverage its capabilities.
6 enormous innovations in the fashion industry
Fashion brands of all sizes and specialties are employing technology to better understand their customers than ever before. In this fast-changing modern environment, brands that pick up the pace and become more responsive to market needs are likely to win. As this trend grows, it becomes increasingly difficult for companies and brands to maintain large-scale apparel production.
To push the boundaries of fabrication, production, marketing, and wearability, many designers and brands must embrace the latest technologies. Over the last few years, the world has been shifting toward digital platforms, and the fashion industry is no exception. Some tech fashion initiatives that have been in the works for a few years are about to take center stage.
The early days of tech fashion were slow and limited. However, a combination of factors, including the rapid growth of platforms, technological innovations, and brands’ intent to leverage fashion technology. These could result in aggressive growth in the sector. Therefore, the following are the most recent innovations that are transforming the fashion industry.
Novel fabrics
Novel fabrics are arguably the future of fashion. Also, it is another way for designers to distinguish themselves and appeal as a sustainable option. All of the evidence suggests that eco-leather is not a very sustainable choice. Modern Meadow, a startup, is working to combat this by developing lab-grown leather that is cruelty-free. Similarly, companies such as Bolt Threads and EntoGenetics are developing super-strong spider silk.
ColorFab 3D, a system developed by MIT researchers, is among the most recent interactions in printed objects that change colors. This method involves printing 3D objects with “photochromic inks” that change color when exposed to specific UV wavelengths. Color-shifting is also possible with Ebb, thanks to the team behind Project Jacquard. It is a color-changing fabric technology that could be programmed to change our mood or setting someday.
Virtual reality or augmented reality
“Augmented Reality (AR),” “Virtual Reality (VR),” and “Mixed Reality (MR)” are all terms that have been there for a while. One could argue that these aren’t particularly novel technologies. Their use in fashion, on the other hand, is relatively new.
Customers can virtually try on outfits, which is a popular use of VR. This enhances the accuracy through customized measurement functionality and also makes use of augmented reality technology. It also indicates that clients may be more prone to purchase after trying them on.
The adoption of these technologies is likely to skyrocket in the near future. With technological advancements enabling a more seamless experience, ever more brands are looking set to adopt these methods for their customers. As a result, in 2022, no fashion brand can afford to overlook this tech fashion trend.
3D printing or scanning
Many industries, large and small, have been researching the possibilities for on-demand production since the emergence of 3D printers. This will open up new possibilities for personalization, sustainability, and creativity. In 2022, many fashion brands are incorporating 3D elements into their collections, from accessories to full looks.
Despite the fact that it takes a long time to make, it produces less waste and is far less labor-intensive than other methods. Undoubtedly, printing garments on-demand reduces fabric waste by approximately 35%.
It’s difficult to find the perfect fit when clothes shopping online, but 3D scanning and clothing-fitting technology may change that. Retailers are hoping that this technology will help them reduce returns. Nike took a slightly different approach to assist customers in finding shoes that fit properly. The app saves data in the user’s profile for future online and in-store purchases.
Metaverse
This is a term you should have heard, whether you are a brand owner or a consumer. While it may not be a part of your daily life as a consumer. This is the time for you, as a brand, to understand what the term means. More importantly, you should comprehend how to use this technology to give your company a competitive edge.
However, creating metaverses necessitates massive amounts of computing power, engineering talent, and money. As a result, this concept is probably still a long way off. Bringing it to life will necessitate a concerted action on the part of tech powerhouses and innovative startups.
Some of the most recent trends include purchasing metaverse real estate, setting up virtual kiosks, and hosting fashion shows. In the metaverse, things are progressing. As a fashion brand, you can’t afford to ignore these developments because they’re the future. Every fashion brand should begin developing a metaverse presence strategy in 2022 and beyond.
Sustainability
Historically, fashion has always adhered to the traditional seasonal format. Designs in fast fashion move quickly from the runway to the store shelves. Fast fashion conglomerates can create up to 52 micro collections per year. Traditional brands had to keep pace with the fast consumer demand by releasing up to 11 collections per year.
Every year, approximately 12.8 million tons of clothing end up in landfills. The fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of global CO2 emissions, 20% of industrial wastewater, and 11% of pesticides used. As a result, more brands are choosing sustainable production over fast fashion, and more consumers are opting for conscious brands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main theme of this article is to define some technologies that are reshaping the fashion industry. In this year, brands are looking to adopt the latest trends to innovate their business and generate revenue in the market. The online stores for branded shoes for men and women or the stores for branded garments for adults and kids are trying to progress in 2022. The above massive innovations can leverage the fashion industry in the future.
