Fashion Design Tech That Will Change What We Wear
Back in the day, fashion was all about clothes. Then it became about ideas and creativity. Today, fashion is all about technology. This cohesive blend is referred to as fashion technology. It’s literally taken the fashion industry by a storm and has completely changed the way we think, design and wear clothes. This new era has opened up new possibilities, thereby making fashion more innovative and functional. Beyond covering our bodies and making us look good, fabrics today can adapt to environmental conditions, monitor our health and even charge our phones. Sounds crazy, right? If you’re wondering how fashion tech will change the future of fashion design, we’re here to tell you how.
Technology Meets Textiles: 5 Innovations
Smart Clothing & Wearable Technology
We’ve already spoken about smart fabrics before. They’re also referred to as e-textiles. It’s one of the most exciting trends in the fashion industry. It has not just transformed fashion design but even manufacturing and production processes. Once considered a novelty, people are now finding use-cases for advanced and intuitive technology in their daily lives.
Smart textiles are usually embedded with sensors and conductive materials that allow the wearer to interact with their environment. Such type of clothing not just fulfils practical tasks but is also aesthetically-pleasing. People are ditching their smartwatches and smart rings to wear smart garments. Such apparel can track your heatbeat, footsteps, and calories while looking fashionable. Additionally, smart clothing is not just for those with an active lifestyle. There are even temperature-regulating fabrics that can adapt to the temperature of your body and surroundings thereby keeping you warm in cold weather and vice-versa.
3D Printing in Fashion
Earlier, the fashion industry was restricted by conventional fabric and thread. Today, with the introduction of 3D technology, designers can produce detailed and custom apparel. There is a limitless scope of design. By utilising 3D printing, designers can literally push the boundaries of creativity. Brands can create apparel that fits various body types, shapes and sizes of their customers. 3D-printed garments are definitely making the fashion industry more sustainable. The goal of 3D printing is to reduce the need for returns as well as excessive production.
Biodegradable Textiles
Biotechnology is also revolutionising the textile industry. Fashion designers and apparel manufacturers are using natural components to make stronger, better and more sustainable textiles. Companies are also developing fabrics from recycled materials including plastic waste, discarded clothing, ocean debris, and more. By using biodegradable textiles, the fashion industry’s environmental impact is considerably low. Biotechnology is also resulting in superior fabrics.
AI-driven Fashion Design & Machine Learning
AI and machine learning is giving fashion designers a chance to create a collection that is more sustainable and inclusive. Instead of manufacturing massive quantities, AI is reducing the glut by helping designers learn from patterns. Personalisation and customisation are one such aspect. Based on your customer’s tastes, browsing history and social media activity, AI algorithms can predict trends. They can give you a fair idea of what your customers want. This not just improves the shopping experience but also the decision-making process. Data collection helps automate design processes.
Besides this, AI is also being used to streamline supply chains, and speed up production lines.
With AI, fashion designers can create garments which nobody would have ever imagined.
- Self-cleaning & Colour-changing Fabrics
Another mind-blowing innovation in fashion technology is clothing that can change shape or colour in response to external stimuli such as temperature, touch and light. With this, a single piece of clothing can serve multiple purposes. For instance, apparel manufacturers are experimenting with colour-changing clothes that change hue when exposed to heat or light. This gives the wearer a completely new wardrobe experience. Besides this, there are also self-cleaning garments. Nanotechnology has made it possible for fabrics to self-clean. It can resist stains or even change colour based on lighting or temperature.
In active wear and athletic clothing, there is a new innovation in fabrics that wicks away odour, sweat and manages body temperature. Such fabrics enhance athlete performance and keep them relaxed.
In Summary
With the integration of new technology, innovation and sustainability, the future of fabrics is bright. They’re likely to be more intelligent, environmentally-friendly and functional. It’s not just a new era of fashion for garment manufacturers and designers but also for students who are pursuing fashion and apparel design courses in Bangalore. Universities are changing their curriculum to meet today’s demands. They want the future fashion leaders to be ahead in every possible way. At Vogue, we believe in nurturing future-ready professionals and forward-looking artists.
