SgT is celebrating 30 years of textile quality expertise and is more than ever engaged for the future.<\/p>\n
Indeed, impressive technology developments are transforming every aspect of the multi-billion-dollar fashion chain, bringing faster and more efficient production, on-demand access for consumers, improved sustainability, and personalization at every stage. From virtual stores to spider-silk threads to sewing robots, here are some ways technology is changing the future of fashion.<\/p>\n
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Fashion brands are betting big on both virtual reality (VR), a totally immersive computer-generated experience, and augmented reality (AR), which blends virtual elements with real surroundings. Amazon\u2019s Outfit-VITON, Ditto, and Virtooal are among those offering AR-powered \u2018try-on\u2019 systems that invite consumers to virtually try on clothing and accessories through entertaining, shareable experiences in which they play stylist.<\/span><\/p>\n The Obsess platform develops virtual stores for fashion brands, replacing the outdated ecommerce grid with a more immersive encounter. Brands like Zara, Topshop, and Uniqlo are integrating AR elements into their stores to engage more customers, and labels like Victoria\u2019s Secret and Tommy Hilfiger are streaming runway shows in VR. Clothing itself is also going digital, with Louis Vuitton releasing a virtual collection for League of Legends characters, Polo Ralph Lauren\u2019s digital wardrobe for Bitmojis, and Gucci creating virtual looks for several apps and avatars \u2013 all touted as \u201czero waste\u201d clothing.<\/span><\/p>\n Retaining customers through prediction and personalization is the driving force behind artificial intelligence (AI) in the fashion world. Many brands are already using AI to analyze data to predict customer preferences and forecast trends. AI can also learn a person\u2019s style and choose \u2013 and even design \u2013 items to match. The British fashion label Finery and Google\u2019s Project Muze use AI to deliver automated wardrobe designing tools.<\/span><\/p>\n There are also broader benefits for brands, who can combine this individual data to forecast overall trends. Digital stylists and chatbots are also interacting with consumers to make recommendations and optimize the purchasing process without involving human resources. There is also enormous potential for AI to revolutionize supply chain management through real-time inventory tracking, rapid feedback and analysis for quick adaptation, and continuous risk evaluation.<\/span><\/p>\n Technology is advancing sustainability in fashion, which has come under scrutiny for its wasteful and energy-intensive processes. The benefits begin at the design phase, with software like EFI Optitex and CLO using 3D simulation to make alterations in real-time, minimizing waste and error. The use of AI in inventory management, pairing shoppers only with what\u2019s available and suited to them, is also reducing returns and unused resources.<\/span><\/p>\n However, one of the most significant developments is sustainable fibers, fabrics, and materials. For example, Levi\u2019s is making jeans with 30% \u2018cottonized\u2019 hemp and jackets with detachable hardware for easy recycling. Girlfriend Collective sells leggings made from recycled polyester, and Swiss brand On is launching fully recyclable shoes in 2021. Other innovations include Allbirds\u2019s shoes made from eucalyptus leaves, super-strong spider silk created by Bolt Threads and EntoGenetics, Frumat\u2019s leather-like fabric from apple skins, and Algiknit\u2019s textiles made from seaweed.<\/p>\n The Internet of Things (IoT) is essentially when objects communicate with each other through the internet. While wearable technologies are nothing new, they\u2019re becoming much more seamless. For instance, Google\u2019s platform Jacquard Threads creates conductive threads woven into fabrics that can do things like make sleeves respond to gestures and materials that change color according to your mood or setting.<\/span><\/p>\n Loomia also makes soft circuits that can be embedded in fabrics for data tracking, heating, sensing, and lighting. Yoga pants crafted by Wearable X can correct your posture during poses. There are phone-charging jackets by Baubax, navigation-assisted shoes by Lechal, and garments developed by the University of Maryland that cool you down as you work out. Perhaps the feat most beneficial to humankind is health-related smart fabrics. Owlet\u2019s smart socks can monitor babies\u2019 heart rates and oxygen levels, while Hexoskin and Oura are among those making clothing and accessories that can track your heart rate, breathing, temperature, and more.<\/p>\n The rise of automation in the fashion industry intends to bring products to consumers faster and with greater customization through on-demand manufacturing. While robots are well trained in cutting fabric, robotic arms can now run sewing machines by themselves with incredible precision. Softwear\u2019s fully automated \u2018Sewbot\u2019 promises to move brands\u2019 supply chains closer to their customers while creating higher quality products at a lower cost.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
Artificial Intelligence – AI becomes the fashion designer<\/h3>\n
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Sustainability Through Tech – Shaping more sustainable fashion<\/h3>\n
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The Internet of Things – Making clothing interactive<\/h3>\n
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Robots, Automation, and 3D Printing – The future of manufacturing<\/h3>\n