We are in an era of rapid transformation, driven by advanced technology that allows people to be constantly updated with diverse knowledge from various fields. This is particularly evident in the fashion industry, where basic trends are a major concern. Unlike before, consumer needs change swiftly, presenting a challenge as people increasingly seek  typically eco-aware, secure, yet aesthetically stylish, and contemporary options. To keep pace with these immediately evolving tastes, fashion brands, suppliers, and retailers must continuously update trends and find ways to adapt  to the ever-evolving tastes of the fashion sector and respond to the crisis, especially during this period of rapid transformation.

Here is a summary of key takeaways from this article: 

• Artificial Intelligence not only streamlines the design process, but it also influences the way brands operate and communicate with customers. 

• Automation and robotics are transforming the garment manufacturing industry by innovative computerized machines and robots.

• On-demand manufacturing, also known as bespoke or made-to-order production, which helps minimize environmental impacts

• Data analysis can help improve production effectiveness and reduce waste by identifying process bottlenecks and inefficiencies. 

• Collaborative manufacturing leverages all resources combined together in order to accelerate the production cycle.

• Manufacturers tend to embrace sustainability and ethical practices in their products and services, ensuring more stable long-term operations by strengthening their reputation and commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

• Inflow - First On-demand Manufacturing in Vietnam is always up-to-date in our production formulations and strategies. Our production model is currently a global innovative model upon others, applying advanced technologies along the end-to-end process

1. Technology Advancements:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) roles

Artificial Intelligence plays the most important role in digital fashion and apparel manufacturing by improving efficiency and minimizing costs. It not only streamlines the design process, but it also influences the way brands operate and communicate with customers. By collecting data from customers, AI helps brands better understand their partners from various sources including social media, e-commerce and physical stores.

The fashion industry has been experimental with new innovation and technological trends, it is constantly evolving from smart fabric to AI-driven design. AI-generated clothes and designs are not just a futuristic concept but this is a reality that is reshaping the fashion landscape. Many fashion brands are leveraging the development of AI technology into trend prediction, producing dynamic new fashion collections. 

>> Read more: Streamlining Apparel Production: How Inflow’s Tech-driven Manufacturing Platform Cut Lead Time for Fashion Brands

Mind-Blowing Examples of AI Fashion Design:

Tommy Hilfiger’s AI-Driven Design Process

Tommy Hilfiger uses AI to analyze trends and customer’s data to create trend-setting collections. That’s why the brand always stays on top of customer’s concerns.

Adidas’ Speedfactory

Adidas allows customers to personalize their products using AI technology. Also, the technology makes the production process faster and more efficient, when they use AI and robotics to create customized shoes.

The Fabricant’s Digital Fashion Collections

The Fabricant is a digital fashion house that creates clothes that exist only in the digital world. They use 3D design tools and AI to create stunning and realistic fashion collections that can be “worn” in virtual environments or digital spaces.

DressX with Virtual Try on Experience

AI tools help online shoppers more fully comprehend what a garment looks like and how it will look on them. DressX - a fashion app that enables customers to project garments onto their actual bodies, then play with color, texture and accessories to get a look that’s just right.

2. Automation and Robotics

Automation and robotics are transforming the garment manufacturing industry, making production faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective. With the use of advanced computers, such as computerized cutting, sewing robots, automatic ironing and folding machines, the time and labor required to produce a garment have been significantly reduced. 

Moreover, automation and robotics made it possible to produce high-quality, consistent garments, which can improve the customer experience and reduce waste. In the future we hope to see more advanced technologies which leverage AI and machine learning to optimize production processes.

3. Data Analysis for Quick Adaptation

Data analytics is becoming more common in the clothing industry due to its advantages of replacing humans with autonomous systems and robots. Collected data helps manufacturers understand their customer’s preferences and market trends, allowing them to tailor their product offerings to meet evolving demands.

Moreover, data analysis can help improve production effectiveness and reduce waste by identifying process bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Data analysis can also be used for predictive maintenance, allowing manufacturers to identify potential equipment failures before they occur, minimizing downtime and reducing the need for costly repairs.

4. On-demand Manufacturing

On-demand manufacturing, also known as bespoke or made-to-order production. It’s different from traditional manufacturing, which helps minimize environmental impacts such as carbon footprints, wasted waters, etc. and shorten real-time production cycles.

The on-demand model is an emerging trend, which allows companies to operate with low minimum order quantities (MOQs) in order to reduce waste and excess inventory. This approach also allows identifying personalized designs based on their own preferences. 

The customer of today is demanding more personalized products and experiences than ever. For example, on demand manufacturing can handle 90 percent of their production in-house and boast a ten-day turnaround time from identifying fashion trends to bringing products to market. The early birds of this model, such as H&M, Everlane, Adidas, Zara, Uniqlo and more, have integrated made-to-order production processes, utilizing the convenience of AI to meet consumer demands efficiently.

From an economic perspective, microfactories are also presenting it as a new opportunity in fashion, by facilitating high-speed, agile garment production, with start-ups leveraging these technologies for on-demand garment creation. For your information, Inflow has researched various angles of on-demand manufacturing for a fashion brand to serve you better!

>> Read more: 

From Myth to Reality: The Rise of On-demand Manufacturing in 2024

How On-Demand Manufacturing Lets Your Brand Capitalize on Trends Before They're Yesterday's News

On-Demand Fashion Manufacturing: Conquering Challenges for Profitability and Growth

5. Collaborative Manufacturing

Not as simple as our old-fashioned manufacturing, collaborative business model tends to have an all-in-one approach, which leverages all resources combined together in order to accelerate the production cycle. The convenience here is about having all stakeholders involved— such as in-house designers, manufacturers, and suppliers — work together. This close collaboration model enhances efficiency, improves communication and ensures transparency.

From now on, brands tend to work with cooperative manufacturing in the garment sector, as brands seek to improve sustainability and their response speed to the change in consumer demands. From then, a collaborative factory is the ideal component, fostering innovation and eco-friendly products.

6. Sustainability & Ethics

As consumers become more conscious of the significance of healthy and sustainable living conditions and the impact of the environment on their quality of life. There’s a growing trend toward sustainability, and people increasingly welcome eco-friendly responsible choices.

Manufacturers tend to embrace sustainability and ethical practices in their products and services, which not only help save money on disposal fees, reduce losses and waste,  but also ensure more stable long-term operations by strengthening their reputation and commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

The circular economy, a key component of sustainable manufacturing, is a powerful concept to mitigate waste generation. It focuses on recycling, upcycling, and repurposing of materials, thereby conserving resources and minimizing carbon footprints.

While a clothing company has morals and sustainable practices, of course you will be rest assured that this company you are working with possesses these qualities:

• Employees are paid a fair and liveable wage

• All workers are adults (no child labour) that have freely chosen their job

• Work standard working hours, respecting national legislation

• Good working conditions and supports for self-development and safety

>> Read more: Fashion Production Sustainability: Revolutionizing the Industry Through Innovation and Responsibility

Inflow’s manufacturing adaptation to new trends

Following the flow of the forever shifting fashion industry, Inflow - First On-demand Manufacturing in Vietnam is always up-to-date in our production formulations and strategies. In order to cope with the challenges of the rapid transformation of the fashion community, we cannot leave our eyes out of the vision, always keep the dare-to-do spirit and strive to bring the best innovation to the fashion industry.

From the old style, now we completely transform ourselves into On-Demand manufacturing, which is currently a global innovative model upon others, applying advanced technologies along the end-to-end process. Despite the drawbacks of this model, we do not see it as our limit; instead, we are finding new ways to improve the shortcomings and move toward a sustainable future. 

Inflow aims to build a sustainable fashion company that delivers the best value to our partners. We are committed to providing the most convenient and safest working conditions for our team members, recognizing each individual as a valued partner in our collective success.

Get in touch with Inflow today to get more fashion manufacturing trends and advantages information.

Wrap up

Being sustainable and ethical is the top priority today because of the disastrous consequences of environmental pollution. The fashion industry is one of the most impactful factors due to waste, ineffective technology, inaccurate forecasts, etc.

The concept of digital fashion is set to gain attraction, with virtual models taking center stage. This will offer limitless creative possibilities, allowing designers to experiment with spectacular designs.

Personalization and customization will become increasingly popular as consumers seek unique and tailored experiences. From personalized recommendations to virtual try-ons, technology will enable brands to deliver customized services at every touchpoint.

Overall, the future fashion industry will be shaped by a combination of technological advancements and market demand. By understanding and embracing these trends, fashion brands can cater to the shifting demands and preferences of consumers in the future.