Since day one, the fashion industry has been innovating its manufacturing process. From sewing by hand, to machines all the way to different kinds of robots, fashion technology is determining whether you’ll make it or break it. However, the truth is the technology comes with a rather large price tag, and investing in it can help you thrive or wither. So, how can you ensure success?
Rather than investing in every innovation on the market, consider channeling the funds and energy to proven fashion technologies that will make your job easier. So, what are the 5 fashion innovations that will help future-proof your apparel brand and keep it relevant on the market?
1. 3D Printing
If you’re in the fashion industry waters, you’ve probably heard of the 3D-printed pieces that appeared on shows or were worn by celebrities like Lady Gaga. This impressive advancement from regular textiles to innovative materials has not only improved sustainability in this field but increased originality and precision as well! So, how can 3D printing help future-proof your business and keep your brand relevant in the upcoming years?
Bring 3D-printed apparel to the masses and create eco-friendlier collections that will help you with your marketing and innovation. This technology creates clothes with greater precision and minimizes the chances of human errors. On top of that, with 3D printing, you will be able to create personalized items and have them fit different body types which will be essential in the future of fashion.
2. Artificial Intelligence
The artificial intelligence craze has just started and it doesn’t seem to be ending soon. From AI bots that generate different content, to human-like decision-making and learning, artificial intelligence is a leading topic in many industries and fashion is no exception. But can it help your apparel brand?
Two main streams of AI help exist in the business world: one aids your customers, and the other helps your business thrive. Implement AI that collects and processes necessary data while helping customers with targeted and personalized recommendations. It’s a win-win situation that keeps your brand relevant in the fashion field.
3. AR In The World Of Shopping
Besides the quality of your apparel and the message your brand conveys, there is nothing more important to customers than the experience they have while shopping. In fact, over 70% of buyers claim that they are more willing to shop from brands that offer a unique, engaging, and pleasant experience. So, besides training your staff, you need to take it a step further and ensure smooth purchases online as well.
Online shopping became extremely popular even before the pandemic. However, lockdowns helped developers perfect the experience. With augmented reality, retail stores can provide extraordinary experiences to their customers. Implement virtual fitting and sizing to improve online shopping via an app your customers will use. Be among the rare who offer this magnificent feature and keep up to date with technologies.
4. On-Demand Manufacturing
Inventory, stocking, and cluttering have become some of the leading issues in the retail business. Such business organization has caused many fashion brands to fail since warehouse stocking has increased the price. Even though different technologies that help you organize your stock exist, they don’t solve the cluttering and overstocking issues. What can you do?
One of the most popular ways clothing brands function right now is by creating on-demand apparel. Made to order clothing help brands like you tailor their pieces to customers’ needs. With technology like this, you are futureproofing your business by allowing customers to create unique apparel that will be customized to their needs. On top of that, with made-to-order service, you’re futureproofing the planet by offering a more sustainable and eco-friendly means of shopping.
5. Virtual And Social Media Influencers
In the end, to maintain your brand’s reputation, you need to work on your marketing strategies. Since technology plays a major role there as well, you’ll need to get the most out of it by utilizing social media and different types of influencers. Until today, social media influencers and micro-influencers were the top choices for many companies. However, with the development of synthetic media, virtual influencers are becoming more and more relevant in the world of fashion.
Who are virtual influencers? Computer-generated characters with human-like features are becoming increasingly popular on the internet. Due to their uniqueness, many designers are interested in styling them to market their apparel. Such influencers can make your business successful because of the large following and original aesthetic they fall under. So, are you ready to give them a try?
Final Thoughts
In a time when technology is evolving at a rapid pace, it would be difficult to ignore its importance to the fashion industry. If you want your fashion brand to remain relevant in the upcoming years, you will need to follow these trends and create your own path in the future of fashion. Innovate your business and see where it leads you!