Technology: Reshaping the Future of Fashion
Technology: Reshaping the Future of Fashion
Technology continues to be a massive part of our everyday lives. It has helped many industries,
including fashion, to make huge strides in various aspects, from design to retail sales.
Indeed, technology has made its way into the fashion industry. Before, customers used to wear
and settle with whatever designers created. But now, brands use data to understand buyers’ needs,
monitor their shopping behavior, and develop products that address their specific preferences.
With the integration of technology, efficiency has become the future of style.
Here are some of the tech that are making a significant impact on fashion.
Trendy Techwear
Techwear is an increasingly popular term in the innovative fashion industry. Simply put, it’s clothing created from high-tech fabrics and designed for ultimate functionality. It may include features like water resistance, heat insulation, abrasion resistance, or additional accessory storage.
The main appeal of techwear is practicability, whether it concerns staying dry in a downpour or carrying more stuff for a weekend trip. It combines comfort and anatomical design, allowing the wearer to move freely without the fabric fraying or pulling at key points.
This apparel offers more than just perforated mesh tees and cozy jackets with pockets—it provides practical benefits that make everyday life easier in one way or another.
Techwear can come in the form of a waterproof, lightweight jacket suitable for all weather conditions. Brands have incorporated waterproof textiles into their designs, releasing variants of the water-resistant polytetrafluoroethylene and Windstopper, which is an insulating layer for colder temperatures.
As for bags, techwear challenges convention through fashion-forward items such as zippered pockets or removable modular attachments that blend waterproof fabric and carrying capacity. Gadgets and accessories, particularly wearables have also become a fashion staple among the trendy crowd, with the mixing and matching of techwear a part of an individual’s style.
The 0917 Lifestyle brand has its own Series One and Series Two collections that include trendy audio tech such as earphones and earbuds. There are also sleek power banks that can keep you on-the-go while turning heads with your unique style.
3D Printing: A New Avenue for Customization
3D printing or additive manufacturing uses computer-aided design to create three-dimensional,
solid objects from a digital file, transforming a virtual model into its physical form.
It allows for customization by laying down successive layers of materials—such as composites,
biomaterials, or plastic—to produce pieces that range in shape, size, rigidity, and color.
With this technology, customization is at its finest.
In fashion, 3D printing is used to build prototypes and manufacturing tools, create accessories,
and boost sustainability efforts.
Brands have started developing pieces based on their customers’ preferences. For instance, using running data from athletes,
German sportswear company Adidas came up with a 3D-printed shoe designed to provide the optimal fit for any runner.
Camper, a famous shoe company, also utilizes 3D printers to develop concept models for each new shoe collection it releases.
Meanwhile, Louis Vuitton combines desktop 3D printing and handwork in fabricating its products,
ensuring that the process yields the same quality during each iteration. Spanish fashion brand
ZER likewise employs additive manufacturing in its operations to integrate sustainability.
Revolutionizing In-Store Experience with AR-VR
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to break the barriers of convention. In fashion,
AI-enabled technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) play a central role in transcending the limits of the in-store shopping experience.
They have been major drivers of shifts in purchase processes, enhancing customer service and
improving inventory management while reducing the rate of returned products. With AR and VR software,
brands can increase customer engagement and gather information about their preferences and intended purchases.
Fashion company Tommy Hilfiger had adopted these technologies when it launched an AR-powered fitting
room where shoppers can superimpose clothing items onto themselves using their phone camera.
Here, when a user is anywhere near one of the Tommy Hilfiger pop-up stores, the application activates automatically,
allowing them to virtually view the store, take pictures of themselves or their friends engaging with the content, and upload it to the Tommy Hilfiger fitting room.
Retail giant Alibaba’s FashionAI store also introduced features like intelligent mirrors, smart garment tags, and embedded Bluetooth.
Likewise, Macy’s AI-powered "On Call" tool can respond to common customer queries like “Where can I find ladies’ footwear?”
or navigate to the location of their retail stores.
Not surprisingly, leading fashion brands have employed AR and VR in their operations, such as Burberry, Victoria’s Secret, Estée Lauder, and Levi’s.
Fashion: The Digital Makeover
Fashion and style have always been known to push the envelope. As new digital tools emerge and changing customer demands continue
to transform the industry, we’re sure to witness more data-driven innovations in the coming years.
With fashion tapping into the vast potentials of technology, we’re looking at a more sustainable, customer-oriented, and efficient fashion makeover.
For the latest fashion tech accessories, shop at Globe 0917’s ecommerce website or partner with us for your official merchandise needs.
