As the world becomes increasingly digitised, the fashion industry is quickly adapting to new technology. In the next few years, we can expect to see even more innovative and high-tech solutions in the fashion world.

Here are some of the top fashion tech trends I expect the industry to adopt in 2022.

Why are Technological Innovations Key in the Fashion Industry?

Fashion tech is a term used to describe the fusion of fashion and technology. It encompasses all aspects of technology in the fashion industry, from wearable technology to 3D printing to online retail platforms. The fashion industry is one of the most rapidly changing industries in the world. Trends come and go at a lightning pace, and companies must constantly innovate to keep up. This is where technology comes in.

Technology can help fast-fashion brands churn out new designs more quickly and efficiently. It can also help them reach a wider audience and connect with their shoppers. For slow fashion brands, technology helps them better communicate the story behind their products. It also makes it easier for shoppers to find exactly what they are looking for in a very short amount of time.

The Future of Fashion Tech: What to Expect in 2022

3D Printing

3D printing is an area of fashion tech that is rapidly evolving. In 2013, 3D-printed clothing was featured in a runway show by Iris van Herpen. 3D printers can now create entire garments using multiple materials, including fabric, leather, and meta-materials.

In the future, 3D printing in the fashion industry will likely become more common. We may see entire collections printed using 3D printers, and custom-made clothing becoming increasingly available. Imagine being able to print your own designs - that will certainly save on the labour involved in making a clothing tech pack!

Apps and Mobile Commerce

In the luxury market, brands such as Burberry and Louis Vuitton are embracing the tech trend by launching their own apps for customers to interact with. Apps and mobile commerce are set to become even more important in the future as more and more people shift to using mobile devices for their online shopping.

Virtual Reality Stores

Virtual reality stores are another new trend that is set to revolutionise the fashion tech industry. Brands such as Balenciaga have used virtual reality during runway shows (image seen below) so customers can preview their collections fully online before they buy them.

Virtual reality stores take this a step further by allowing customers to browse and buy clothes without ever leaving their home. These stores are likely to become more common in the future as virtual reality technology becomes more widespread.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is opening doors to an entirely new world for the fashion tech industry. So far, there are several virtual personal stylists on the market, including Stitch Fix and Trunk Club. These platforms use algorithms to predict customers' clothing preferences based on their lifestyle factors, such as profession or age.

Bio-Packaging

Another emerging trend in fashion tech is bio-packaging. This involves using biodegradable materials, such as plant cellulose, to create sustainable packaging for clothes and other fashion products. Bio-packaging is a relatively new technology, but it is likely to become increasingly popular in the future as the need for sustainable solutions grows.

Innovative Materials

Innovative materials are also becoming a major part of the fashion tech industry. In 2013, Adidas introduced the Futurecraft Biosteel Shoe, made from a material derived from spider silk that is both stronger and lighter than conventional materials (and puts silk in a whole new light).

In the future, we will likely see more clothing made from similar innovative materials. For example, scientists are currently working on a material made from eucalyptus tree fiber that is both biodegradable and sustainable.

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Virtual Influencers

Virtual influencers are another emerging trend in fashion tech. These are digital and social media influencers that are used to promote clothing and other fashion products.

Virtual influencers allow brands to create more intimate relationships with their customers and provide a digital alternative to traditional advertising. Virtual influencers are likely to become more common in the future as virtual reality technology improves.

Blockchain

The growing desire for sustainable clothing and practices also affects financial technologies in the fashion industry. Transparency, traceability and ethical sourcing are all priorities to the modern consumer, and blockchain technology helps to provide verification with consumers' purchase decisions.

In the fashion world, particularly in regards to luxury brands, counterfeiting is a growing issue that blockchain can help combat by bringing transparency into the supply chain.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a growing trend in fashion tech amongst many other industries, and it could revolutionise the way we make, buy and use clothes. IoT is a concept that refers to connected devices that are embedded with sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies and using these devices to help manage your life.

IoT is becoming increasingly common in the fashion industry and is used to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity for eco-friendly textiles. Retailers such as Levi's and Swiss retailer Migros have already started using IoT technology to fit customers with clothes to their exact measurements, meaning they no longer need to try on several different sizes to find the right fit.

IoT can also be used to create "smart garments" that track the wearer's performance and provide feedback. This could be useful for athletes, but it could also have many other applications, such as helping people with chronic diseases.

The Future of Fashion Tech: Final Thoughts

The future of fashion is looking very exciting, and the fashion tech industry is at the forefront of this transformation. There are many new and innovative technologies that are changing the way we view and purchase clothes, and these technologies are only going to become more common in the years to come. So keep your eyes peeled for the latest in fashion tech in 2022 and beyond.

Looking For Expert Fashion Consultancy Services?

At James Hillman, we provide expert fashion consultancy services to help brands and businesses stay ahead of the curve. If you're looking for help in developing a fashion strategy, or if you need advice on the latest fashion technologies, we can help.

Contact us today to learn more!