The future of fashion: What’s next for fashion technology? - FutureLearn (2024)

In this article, we explore how fashion technology is making waves in the fashion industry, looking at everything from AI to 3D printing.

The future of fashion: What’s next for fashion technology? - FutureLearn (1)

In previous blog posts, we’ve discussed exciting fashion careers in the industry and explored sustainable fashion. Today, we’re thinking more about technological innovation within fashion – an industry that has traditionally relied mostly on the work of humans.

Fashion brands and companies are now making use of innovative technologies including blockchain and virtual reality to create a different experience for their customers. In this article, we’ll explore all of these current technologies and ask whether fashion innovation has the power to permanently change the industry for the better.

What is meant by the term fashion technology?

You may be wondering what we mean by the term fashion technology, so we’ll define it for you. Fashion technology is essentially any innovative tech that creates contemporary tools for the industry, whether they improve fashion production or consumption.

It might be used by designers, manufacturers, retailers and customers, depending on the purpose of the particular technology. As more and more technologies become available, we can expect to see fashion tech rise in popularity.

Why is innovation in the fashion industry important?

Innovation is important not only to continually improve the consumer experience, but also to ensure that the fashion industry is moving forward. At the moment, fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world, after oil, and this isn’t sustainable in the slightest.

A lot of fashion technologies help to improve the sustainability of clothing items or the manufacturing process, so in this way, innovation and sustainability are closely linked. If fashion brands aim to be more innovative and sustainable, they can hope to draw in more customers and profit while lessening their social and environmental impact on the planet.

You can learn how ethical andsustainable practice can increase profit for fashion brands in our open step by Creative Skillset. If you’re more interested in the connection between innovation and sustainability, our course by Institut Français de la Mode might be interesting to you.

Alternatively, our Innovation: the Fashion Industry course by the University of Leeds will show you how big fashion retailers innovate.

What are the biggest fashion technologies right now?

Now we’re going to discuss the top 9 fashion technologies being used in the industry right now. Over the coming years, we can expect to see even more innovations improving the production and consumption of fashion.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

AI is one of the biggest technologies across all industries right now, not just fashion. Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence by computers or machines, and recently, fashion brands have been using it for a variety of purposes.

Applications of AI within fashion include being able to enhance customer experiences, analyse and predict trends, understand buying patterns and even understand fashion aesthetics. One example of this is touchscreens in retail stores that offer customised product advice to customers using AI chat technology. In these scenarios, AI can be trained to understand aesthetics, including colour, texture and style preferences.

Virtual reality (VR)

Another technology that you’ve probably heard plenty about is Virtual Reality, or perhaps Augmented Reality (AR). While VR involves a fully simulated environment, AR adds interactivity and simulations into the real-world environment.

In the fashion industry, VR and AR are incredibly exciting, as they allow for the physical and digital worlds of retail to combine. One of the most popular uses of VR in fashion is technology that allows customers to try on clothes virtually, though it can even go so far as to create a VR version of a whole store.

If you want to learn more about this subject, our Introduction to Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality course by Lancaster University and the Institute of Coding will help you discover all the ways in which Extended Reality (XR) is transforming the world.

3D Printing

With the rise of 3D printing in fashion, we can really begin to see how innovation and technology can help brands become more sustainable. 3D printing is a manufacturing process where real products can be created from digital designs.

In our 3D Printing in Textiles open step by Labdox, experts explore the benefits that 3D printing can have on the fashion industry. They explore how 3D printed clothing can lead to significantly less textile wastage than traditional designing, and also explain how 3D printing results in reduced water use, air pollution and water contamination.

Additionally, a designer’s options are unlimited with 3D printing – there are very few constraints when it comes to clothing structure, fabric and creativity. In this way, 3D printing could result in more innovative and exciting fashion designs than ever before.

Novel fabrics and material innovation

An important part of fashion and clothing creation is which materials are used. In the current fast fashion model, synthetic and non-biodegradable fibres are used in approximately 72% of garments, which is a concerning statistic. Novel fabrics, which are brand new materials, could be the answer to this problem.

Not only are novel fabrics an exciting way for designers to get creative and innovative, but there are so many possibilities when it comes to creating sustainable materials. It seems that almost anything is possible, from lab-grown leather to fibres made from seaweed that can be knitted together. There is even a company that creates vegan leather from apple pectin, a waste product from apples.

The consequences of this are far-reaching. By creating more sustainable fabrics, we’ll hopefully see a reduction in materials that are made using plastics and non-biodegradable fibres. In addition, animals’ lives will be saved due to innovation that allows us to create eco-friendly leather, fur and silk without animals.

Fashion applications and mobile commerce

We all spend so much time on our phones and tablets these days, and it’s no doubt that the fashion industry has taken advantage of this and started creating all kinds of applications and mobile tech. Creating apps makes it much easier for fashion brands to connect with consumers, so we’re bound to see even more of this in the future.

There are currently apps for everything. Depop and Vinted are some examples of fashion marketplaces where people can buy or sell clothes, and there has recently been an influx of clothes renting apps such as By Rotation and On Loan.

An example of a new kind of fashion application that encourages sustainability is the rating app. Apps like Good On You provide ratings of brands based on their treatment of people, planet and animals. This kind of tech promotes transparency in the fashion industry and allows consumers to make informed decisions.

Blockchain

Blockchain is another huge new technology that is changing the way businesses are run. A blockchain is a permanent and unalterable database that helps with recording transactions and tracking assets. For a more in-depth explanation, you can read our blog about understanding blockchain, cryptocurrency and Bitcoin.

But how can blockchain be used by fashion industry professionals? It turns out that it’s a great tool for transparency and efficiency in the supply chain, making it easier for all parties involved to exchange data and documents in a secure way. Blockchain also gives every fashion product a unique digital ID that makes it easy to track each item.

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Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is a way to describe all of the products that have technology embedded into them to allow them to make use of internet connectivity. Fashion products can come under the IoT category too, and they have the potential to help us meet the exciting demands of modern life.

There are so many possibilities with this technology, from workout clothes that can measure your heart rate to baby clothes that can identify a baby’s sleeping pattern. In addition, health isn’t the only thing they can track – it’s also possible for IoT products to make design suggestions based on your actions. If you want to learn more about the Internet of Things and Sustainability, you can take our course by the Mind Lab and Tech Futures Lab.

Virtual influencers

In the last five years, social media influencers have become more and more popular. Today, you’ll find thousands of influencers working with fashion brands to advertise clothes to their followers, and it’s a very effective marketing technique.

However, you’re probably not prepared for the idea of virtual influencers. These are entirely virtual personas created on social media channels with the sole purpose of selling clothes or other products. The first example of a virtual influencer is digital supermodel Lil Miquela Sousa, who has 3 million followers, and has a profile description reading “19-year-old Robot living in LA”.

There are certainly advantages of having virtual influencers – pictures can be “taken” and styled in whatever way the brand desires, and brands never have to worry about damaging behaviour or lack of cooperation from the influencer. However, equally, there are issues with the representation of these influencers being too perfect, unrealistic, and overly curated.

Biopackaging

Online shopping is a huge part of the fashion industry, with it accounting for one-fifth of total fashion sales in the UK. With that in mind, packaging is definitely something that needs to be discussed. A lot of online shopping packaging is made from plastic and is easily discarded after one use, which is not ideal.

Biopackaging could help to solve this issue. In our open step on bioplastics and biodegradability by EIT Food, they break down what this means. Essentially, biopackaging is produced from renewable resources or is biodegradable, or hopefully both.

There are already some great examples of companies making use of biopackaging – Maggie Marilyn packages her garments using ComPlast, a cassava-based compostable bag.

Are technological innovations the future of fashion?

Undoubtedly, some of these technological innovations have the potential to affect the future of fashion and hopefully make it a kinder, more eco-conscious, and ethical industry. However, technology isn’t the only player in this game.

It’s also important for governments to push for fashion brands to be ethical and sustainable, and we all have a role in pushing for that, through our own actions and consumption habits. Regarding innovation, while technology is hugely exciting, we also need to ensure that children from all backgrounds are taught about fashion and the arts. This will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to work in fashion and push for innovation and change.

To learn more about the future of fashion, we have a range of excellent courses by top fashion institutions and organisations. Start off with our short course on fashion and the Sustainable Development Goals with Fashion Revolution, and then move on to our ExpertTrack by Condé Nast if you enjoy that.

Finally, our microcredential about shaping the future of fashion by Institut Français de la Mode and Kering will inspire you to lead change in the industry.

Final thoughts

We hope this has been useful for you and taught you about all of the exciting fashion innovations that exist in the current climate. It’s impossible to say what the world of fashion tech will look like in ten more years, but we hope that it continues to inspire brands and consumers to be more creative, expressive and sustainable.

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The future of fashion: What’s next for fashion technology? - FutureLearn (2024)

FAQs

What is the future of fashion technology? ›

Rather than heading to a physical store to try items off the rack, in the future, fashion technology will enable customers to spot digital clothing on their favorite virtual influencer, scan their body and try it on in the virtual world.

What can I do after fashion technology? ›

Fashion Career Opportunities
  1. Fashion Show Coordinator.
  2. Fashion Photography Coordinator.
  3. Fashion Consultant.
  4. Fashion Designer/Assistant Designer.
  5. Fashion Stylist.
  6. Production Supervisor.
  7. Fashion Merchandiser/Buyer.
  8. Quality Controller.

What technology will be in fashion in 2023? ›

In 2023, smart textile-based wearable devices will become a major trend in retail. These devices will offer a new level of convenience, comfort and customisation that cannot be matched by conventional clothes. Smart textile is a material that has been designed to incorporate technology into its very structure.

What will happen to the fashion industry in the future? ›

Fashion executives are anticipating a tough year ahead as the global economic slowdown threatens to reverse the industry's rapid post-pandemic recovery. According to McKinsey's 'The State of Fashion' report, 84% of industry leaders expect market conditions to worsen or stay the same in 2023.

What will fashion look like in 2030? ›

In 2030, we predict that sustainable fashion will be the norm, not the exception. Sustainable materials will be used more often in fashion designs and fashion brands will find new and innovative ways to reduce waste. We're excited to see what the future of sustainable fashion holds!

What is the difference between fashion designer and fashion technology? ›

“Fashion design is all about understanding the various garment designs, styles and fit that will suit a person as per their demographics, psychographics, lifestyle and functionality. On the other hand, Fashion Technology prepares the students to engineer large-scale manufacturing of garments.

What is the difference between fashion designer and fashion technologist? ›

The creative industry of fashion designing is where modern, stylish clothing and accessories are created. Fashion technology includes a wide range of technological applications in the creation of clothing during the manufacturing process.

What is the scope for fashion technology? ›

It includes the design, production, marketing and distribution of garments, footwear, leather goods, textiles and jewelry.

What will be the biggest trend in 2023? ›

2023 Fashion Trend: Maxi Skirts

In line with the aforementioned cargo and denim trends, expect lots of low-rise, pocket-adorned silhouettes and floor-grazing jean skirts, as well as styles in various prints and unexpected materials like velvet. Long live long hemlines!

Which design trends will take off in 2023? ›

Arcs and curvy shapes have been making their way into interiors for a while now. First, crescent sofas, tulip and egg chairs, and round rugs took centerstage bit by bit. Now, 2023 home décor trends are moving further than curved furniture. Say hello to oblong mirrors, architectural details, and mushroom lighting.

What type of design trends you re expecting in 2023? ›

In 2023 we will likely see even more graphic designs that take inspiration in part from the school of design — clean shapes, geometric compositions, and bright primary color palettes. Another reason that geometric shapes are trending: They are the first we learn as children and are associated with approachability.

What is the next technology? ›

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

The next exceptional technology trend - Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (ER). VR immerses the user in an environment while AR enhances their environment.

What is Metaverse fashion? ›

“The metaverse brings together the convenience of online shopping with the ability to experience products virtually through immersive technologies. Virtual goods, such as avatar clothing skins, enable brands to cost-effectively test new designs and gather immediate consumer feedback,” Behzadi told VentureBeat.

How is technology changing the sustainable fashion industry? ›

Digitalization of Fashion Design:

Digitalization is changing the face of fashion design. It is making it possible for designers to create sustainable fashion products without wasting any materials. With the help of digitalization, designers can create 3D designs, which can be tried on virtually.

How to predict future fashion trends? ›

Trend prediction relies on five ideas that work together to produce an overall trend per season:
  1. Colour.
  2. Themes.
  3. Shapes.
  4. Key Events or Social Movements.
  5. Social Customs or Target Market.

Are smart clothes the future? ›

Although in its infancy, smart clothing is becoming increasingly commonplace with the potential for huge benefits in the workplace. The global smart clothing market is set to reach $5.3 billion by 2024, a huge increase from $1.6 billion in 2019.

What are the 4 segments of the fashion industry? ›

The fashion industry consists of four levels: the production of raw materials, principally fibres and textiles but also leather and fur; the production of fashion goods by designers, manufacturers, contractors, and others; retail sales; and various forms of advertising and promotion.

What is fast fashion by 2030? ›

Fast fashion is starting to go out of fashion. In 2022, the European Commission adopted a new EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles. The strategy sets out a vision for the future of fashion: by 2030, textiles used by the industry will be long-lasting, made from recycled fibres and fully recyclable.

What fashion trends are no longer in? ›

Outdated Fashion Trends & What to Wear Instead
  • OUT: Infinity Scarves. ...
  • OUT: Cold Shoulder Tops. ...
  • OUT: Long Pendant Necklaces. ...
  • OUT: Low-Rise Skinny Jeans. ...
  • OUT: Dusters & Waterfall Cardigans. ...
  • OUT: Quilted Puffer Vests. ...
  • OUT: Low Shaft Booties. ...
  • OUT: Camo Print.
Aug 8, 2022

Is fashion ever changing? ›

As per as fashion is concerned, it is a dynamic by nature which keeps changing in time and space. Since, human mind is always looking for change so; it seeks changes in terms of place of living, food, and of course cloth or fashion. People always want to have something new styles and new fashions.

What are the 5 types of fashion markets? ›

The five levels of fashion segmentation are Haute Couture, Ready-to-Wear (RTW), Diffusion, Bridge and Mass Market.

What is the difference between textile and fashion technology? ›

Textile designing mainly focuses on making woven, printed, or knitted patterns for garments or home decor, whereas fashion designing caters more to creating clothes, accessories, and lifestyles.

Which is better fashion designing or engineering? ›

strictly speaking, regarding salary package b. tech graduate can earn little bit more when compared to fashion designer. Therefore, i suggest b. tech is the best option and if you are well and good in this field you can shine better more in this field earning lakhs together in a month too.

What is the highest salary of fashion technology? ›

The average National Institute of Fashion Technology salary ranges from approximately ₹1.6 Lakhs per year for a Junior Accounts Assistant to ₹13.4 Lakhs per year for a Associate Professor.

What is the highest job in fashion? ›

15 highest-paying fashion jobs
  • Merchandising manager.
  • Buyer.
  • Editor-in-chief.
  • Art director.
  • Creative director.
  • Design director.
  • Sourcing manager.
  • Product manager.
Mar 10, 2023

What are 3 types of fashion designers? ›

Types of fashion designers
  • Apparel. Apparel designers focus on creating various clothing items for customers. ...
  • Haute couture. These designers typically work for more high-profile and wealthier consumers. ...
  • Ready-to-wear. ...
  • Mass market. ...
  • Footwear. ...
  • Accessory. ...
  • Sportwear. ...
  • Evening wear.
Jun 24, 2022

Which stream is best for fashion technology? ›

There are no certain subjects needed for Fashion Designing after 10th and you can directly opt for the Arts Stream after 10th to further opt for a bachelor's degree in Fashion Designing after 12th or study a diploma in this subject.

Which field is best for fashion designing? ›

Study a Bachelor's in Visual Arts

Some contemporary hip fashion designers have completed a Visual Arts Bachelor's degree. These study programmes focus on combining theories and practices from painting, drawing and photography, ideal for fashion designing.

What is a major in apparel and fashion technology? ›

The Bachelor in Industrial Technology major in Fashion and Apparel Technology (BIT FAT) is a competency based degree program that will answer the present needs of apparel industries both in the local and global markets.

What markets will boom in 2023? ›

Three Key Sectors in Which to Invest in 2023
  • Consumer staples. ...
  • Precious metals. ...
  • Healthcare.
Jan 12, 2023

What will be the color of 2023? ›

Pantone recently announced its 2023 Color of the Year: Viva Magenta.

Are skinny jeans coming back in 2023? ›

Sorry, Gen Z: Skinny Jeans Are Officially Back

But three-quarters of the way through Fashion Month Fall/Winter 2023, it seems the pendulum is swinging back.

What is the most popular color trend for 2023? ›

With the latest 2023 color of the year announcement, soft, earthy shades of pink and clay take the lead as the most popular paint colors. Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards blends brown and burgundy for a rosy pink that works as both a grounding neutral and a delicate accent.

What are the decorating trends for 2024? ›

Cluttercore in fact is about expressing feelings, by creating interiors filled with objects that make us happy or remind us about happy moments. Boldness is often another defining feature of cluttercore, with bright colours, unique furniture, contrasts, and why not maybe also decorated ceilings.

Is Open Concept going out of style 2023? ›

Open-concept layouts seem to be declining in popularity.

One of the main draws to open-concept spaces is the light, but people can still get that by using the right color palette instead of knocking down every wall.

What are the design trends for summer 2023? ›

Summer 2023 design trends are all about embracing nature, sustainability, and personal expression. From the resurgence of dark wood and plaster walls to the popularity of high-gloss wood finishes and craft rooms, these trends offer a wide range of possibilities for those looking to refresh their spaces.

What's new in design in 2023? ›

Some of the most popular interior design trends for 2023 include quiet luxury, the return of bold color, natural stone surfaces, closed floor plans, mixed metal finishes, statement lighting, and 60s and 70s influences — particularly in furniture design.

What is the logo trend in 2024? ›

The new logos of 2024 are sans serif fonts, doodling and sketches as a counterbalance to the restrained sans serif fonts. This trend is considered to be the brightest in the current trends, but it may seem that drawing in free forms is already outdated.

Which technologies will dominate in future? ›

Which Technologies Will Dominate In 2023 In The Field Of IT
  • Artificial Intelligence. Artificial intelligence will become a reality in organisations in 2023. ...
  • Metaverse Will Become Real. ...
  • Progress in Web3. ...
  • Bridging the Physical and Digital World. ...
  • Showing Progress in Green Technology.
Jan 9, 2023

What new technologies will be available in 5 years? ›

Here is a list of significant technology disruption that is all set to mark a new territory of innovation in the coming five years:
  • Artificial intelligence: ...
  • Insurtech: ...
  • RPA(Robotic process automation): ...
  • Blockchain: ...
  • IoT (Internet of things): ...
  • Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR):

What will be the new technology in 2050? ›

According to Forbes, by 2050, IoT technology will be in 95% of electronics for new product designs. And by 2050 it is expected to have everything connected to the cloud and to the internet. According to Business Insider, Space tourism could be feasible in 2050, but likely only for the very wealthy.

What is Web3 fashion? ›

Web3, also known as the decentralized web, is a movement toward a more open and decentralized internet. Web3 technologies are being used to create more transparent, sustainable and inclusive fashion ecosystems.

What luxury brands use metaverse? ›

In 2022, brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci and Nike showed that they were determined to be early adopters of the metaverse.

Is Zara in the metaverse? ›

Inditex is not shying away from combining innovation and artificial intelligence in its future projects, as seen in its recent Stradivarius collection. Along with these advances, the fashion giant is also continuing its long-term strategy in the metaverse.

What is the technology in fashion 2023? ›

In 2023, smart textile-based wearable devices will become a major trend in retail. These devices will offer a new level of convenience, comfort and customisation that cannot be matched by conventional clothes. Smart textile is a material that has been designed to incorporate technology into its very structure.

How technology is changing the future of fashion? ›

It can give shoppers a better sense of how clothing fits their bodies without having to try on clothes in stores or risk ordering items online that don't work correctly. Furthermore, it could help designers and brands create more inclusive collections that meet the needs of a broader range of body types.

What is the future of AI in the fashion industry? ›

In the future, it's entirely possible that those designs will blend the prowess of a creative director with the power of generative artificial intelligence (AI), helping to bring clothes and accessories to market faster, selling them more efficiently, and improving the customer experience.

What is the purpose of fashion technology? ›

"Fashion technology" is the term used for incorporating technological advancements into the manufacturing and selling of fashion products. This concept has a wide range of applications in the fashion industry, including the sourcing, production, design, and retail processes.

What is the problem with technology in fashion? ›

The increased use of technology in the fashion industry has led to mass production, which has resulted in environmental damage and unethical working conditions for workers in the supply chain. This is because brands are able to produce large quantities of clothing very quickly and cheaply.

Is fashion going digital? ›

The fashion industry's investment in gaming foretells a glistening future for digital fashion, which is currently becoming a reality. A global survey of over 3,000 consumers found that 47% are interested in digital clothes, with 87% having already purchased some form of digital fashion.

Will fashion design be replaced by AI? ›

A new study conducted by the Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea suggests human-artificial intelligence (AI) collaborative designs could revolutionise the future of fashion design and serve as an educational tool.

Will fashion models be replaced by AI? ›

While AI is unlikely to replace well-known human models, experts say the tech is expected to hit many workers in the industry — especially entry- to mid-level models and support staff — extra hard.

Is AI going to replace designers? ›

No, AI is unlikely to replace designers entirely. While AI can be used to automate certain aspects of design, such as generating layouts or color schemes, it cannot replace the creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that designers bring to their work.

How is technology improving the fashion industry? ›

Technology in fashion enables fabrics, patterns, and pieces to be virtually created at first. That makes the process much more sustainable. The designers can work on all the creations online, then approve and test them. That means a significant reduction in textile waste within the industry.

What is the difference between fashion technology and fashion? ›

Fashion technology is similar to fashion design, especially in terms of the study of design and aesthetics. But it has a stronger technical approach. Fashion technology focuses on the fundamental techniques used in the production of clothing, as opposed to fashion design, which is mostly based on the design aspects.

What is the difference between fashion designing and fashion technology? ›

“Fashion design is all about understanding the various garment designs, styles and fit that will suit a person as per their demographics, psychographics, lifestyle and functionality. On the other hand, Fashion Technology prepares the students to engineer large-scale manufacturing of garments.

What is the biggest problem in fashion? ›

Challenges In Fashion Industry
  • Increasing International Competition.
  • Exploitation of laour.
  • Competition.
  • Sustainability.
  • Production difficulties.
  • Increasing pollution.
  • Technological difficulties.
  • Consumption issues.
Nov 23, 2022

How is technology disrupting the fashion industry? ›

Designers can digitally sketch designs, create 3D models and send those patterns off to be made. And with digital fabric printing, designers can also offer consumers unique patterns. Say you're looking through racks of clothing at your favorite store and can't find the type of top or blazer you've been envisioning.

Who is buying digital clothes? ›

According to a survey conducted on millennials, Gen Z and Gen X in 2022, one-third have already purchased at least one piece of digital clothing. Surprisingly, nearly half of them classified themselves as not crypto users, which shows that digital fashion is not just for crypto bros.

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