With the advancement of technology today, we see that digitization being implemented across all facets of the industry- from a digital twin of the entire physical supply chain, to 3D body scanning and consumer behaviour analytics, these tools enable both manufacturers and retailers to reduce costs, increase customer loyalty and minimize waste.  

There is a growing trend where manufacturers are using technology to create different types of fabrics. Consumers are also waking up and are looking forward to eco-friendly materials, in a world where environmental degradation is a major concern. The ‘new’ materials such as biofabrics made from discarded leaves of pineapple plants or biomass algae are more breathable and non-toxic than synthetic fibers.

Following in the steps of wearable devices, smart clothing is taking the trend further byembedding sensors and electrical or digital components in the fabric itself. This enables the items to collect data, communicate with other devices and respond to external stimuli thus further enhancing the consumer experience. According to Global Data forecast, the global smart clothing market worth US $ 668 million in 2020 will expand to over US $ 4 billion in the next 10 years.

As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their clothing choices, recommerce and upcycling are becoming increasingly popular ways to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Both promote a more circular approach to fashion, where clothing items are reused, repurposed, or recycled instead of being discarded after a short period of use.