At the forefront of innovation and with continuous improvement, the fashion industry is one of the most profitable fields of business. From the invention of sewing machines to robots that improve manufacturing efficiency, fashion has always kept up with technological trends and advancements.
However, nothing could have prepared fashion experts for the sudden outburst of new technology trends. If you wish to keep up and use technology to reshape your business, you need to implement these 6 technology trends.
1. Novel fabrics
Wasteful and fast fashion has been relevant for far too long. Besides damaging our planet, fast fashion is ruining our wallets, style, and wardrobe with the poor choice of cheap materials. It’s time for a change with novelty and eco-friendly fabrics that are currently hitting the market and will certainly become the biggest trend in the upcoming years.
Sustainable materials come from two main sources. They are either “lab-grown” which takes loads of funds and time, or they are recycled from already used material. Both ways require resources and are less harmful to the environment. So, hop on this trend train and start using novel fabrics in your manufacturing.
2. 3D printing
3D printing technology has been evolving in the last couple of years. From thermoplastic and resin used as the first materials, 3D printers have progressed and can now use a wide variety of metals, plastic, and even textile! With immaculate precision and minimal errors, 3D printers can produce even the finest pieces for your collection.
Besides being sustainable and error-free, 3D printers are efficient and help create innovative designs. Sadly, their use is for now only limited to the fashion show and designer pieces. However, in the next couple of years, scientists predict it will be common for fashion brands to create apparel via 3D printers.
3. Rapid data analysis
In any business, data is usually the most valuable asset as you can learn and discover so much from it. In the fashion industry, such technology can be used to quickly improve and adapt different aspects of business, from manufacturing to distribution. Businesses and brands have a chance to get real-time feedback about the products and goods they are manufacturing.
Rapid data analysis can help you improve your business on the spot and detect potential mistakes and errors before they occur. That saves a lot of resources for business owners as adaptation can happen quickly with minimum investments.
4. New and improved design software
While 20 or so years ago designers used to draw their creations by hand which took more time and resulted in frequent errors. However, with the appearance of design and drawing software, this process is sped up and done with more precision. While the software is usually used by designers, be among the first businesses in the fashion industry that will provide the same experience to your customers!
To reshape the way your business works and create an extraordinary experience for your customers, implement a design tool to your website that your customers can use to create custom clothing. Unique and original apparel will never go out of style and now your customers can be part of the process that will increase your brand reputation and help you stand out in the market.
5. Live streaming
Social media has been one of the most used ways of connecting to customers, especially in the last couple of years. While new social media trends occur, brands have to keep up and reshape their strategies to stay relevant. As a huge increase in social commerce sales is expected in the next 5 years, stay ahead of the competitors by starting live-streaming sales today!
Discover which social media your customers use the most and connect with them by selling apparel in live-broadcasted real-time events. Most brands practice this on Instagram so consider learning about Instagram for businesses to get started.
6. Virtual reality
We can’t neglect the pace and speed at which digital worlds are evolving. Fashion brands that don’t have an online store cease to exist every day! However, since the competition is vast, you need a way to attract more attention and engage your customers. You’ll achieve that using VR and AR.
By implementing virtual reality in your online website, you’re enabling a fantastic user experience. Your customers will be able to try on clothes with great precision and have an overall otherworldly 3D feeling of online shopping. Bring your online stores to life using this technology and you won’t regret the investment that will keep your customers engaged and entertained for hours!
Final thoughts
These technology trends are and will be the future of the fashion industry. They are shaping the way businesses work daily by revealing marketing strategies, manufacturing innovations, and design trends. To maintain your reputation in the fashion world, you need to stay up to date with these technological changes and implement them as soon as you can!