As investment continues to pour in Vietnam, the fashion industry—from small boutiques to global brands, is undergoing significant transformations in production and marketing, driven by technology and changing consumer expectations.

"Vietnam’s labor-intensive fashion industry is shifting to automation, boosting efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. The biggest advantage is speed—products can reach stores within three weeks. Sustainability remains our priority, with technology playing a key role." said Michael McGarr, GAP Inc.'s Regional Director of Sourcing and Production.

In order to hit the game of fashion in this digital era, clothing fashion brands must hurry in learning and adopting technology in making and producing fashion as the following benefits and practical guidelines. Let’s read on for valuable tips!

Actionable Steps for Brands to Integrate Technology

1. Research and Identify Relevant Technologies: 

Of course, to start any story you have to learn about it! Begin by exploring emerging technologies that align with your brand's goals and core values.  For example, if sustainability is a key focus, AI-driven design tools that reduce waste should be a priority.

Inflow - Vietnam’s leading on-demand manufacturing software which offers brands advanced technology in sourcing, designing and AI-powered tools to predict and effectively produce collections. 

>> Read to see how it works: Which fashion trend forecasting platforms offer the most insightful data analysis features?

2. Evaluate Potential Technology Partners: 

Seek partners with a robust portfolio and proven success in the fashion industry. Data-driven platforms and services like Inflow have a track record of enhancing fashion design and development. 

Here’s how Inflow uses technology and data-driven software to help fashion brands succeed in cutting lead-time for bringing collections to life: by providing real-time tracking and automated sourcing and matching, etc.

Read more: How Inflow’s Tech-driven Manufacturing Platform Cut Lead Time for Fashion Brands.

3. Arrange Demos or Pilot Tests: 

Before making a full commitment, don’t hesitate to request demos or pilot tests from shortlisted technology providers. This lets you evaluate their technologies in action and see how well they integrate with your current workflows. At Inflow, we offer complete documentation for demos and sample trials to help you assess our production capabilities. Book a demo  meeting with Inflow's professionals here!

Watch a full video about Inflow’s trend forecasting tool.

4. Assess Compatibility with Existing Systems: 

Ensure that the new technology integrates smoothly with your existing systems. Compatibility is crucial to minimize disruptions and ensure a seamless transition. Additionally, consider whether the technology meets your brand’s standards.

For today’s fashion brands, selecting the right partners for sourcing, design, and production is crucial. Platforms like Inflow provide a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies and facilities, helping brands excel by sourcing materials that align with their unique identity.

Read more: Inflow's One-Stop Fashion Manufacturing Platform: A-Z Sourcing Services

Explore Inflow’s success stories with huge fashion brands, giving you clear insights into how Inflow operates.

• Success Collaboration Story: Inflow X GOD GROUP - How A Print-On-Demand Business Thrives From Inflow’s Manufacturing Network.
• Turning Vision To Reality: How Inflow's Expertise Brought Depression's Unique Designs to Life.
• [POMELOxINFLOW] On-Demand Fashion Manufacturing: A Collaborative Journey Towards Denim and Woven Excellence with Rapid Lead Times
• Love, Bonito's Denim Sourcing Journey with Inflow: A Case Study
  

5. Implement in Phases: 

To minimize disruption, roll out the technology in phases. Start with a small-scale implementation, gather feedback, and refine the process before scaling up.

With Inflow’s platform, brands can effortlessly track and oversee production processes at every stage, from sample creation to bulk production, thanks to our advanced dashboard which allows brands to oversee the whole process.

Trending Emerging Technologies in Fashion

1. AI in Fashion Design and Development

AI is redefining how fashion designers approach the creative process. For instance, 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.

 

2. 3D Printing

Traditional cloth production usually requires complex cutting and sewing processes, but the use of 3D printing technology can simplify the entire process. 

3D printing is transforming on-demand apparel by creating custom-fit garments from digital designs, reducing waste, and enabling complex, unique designs. However, limitations include a limited range of materials and slower production speeds compared to mass production. As technology progresses, these issues are likely to be resolved, leading to wider adoption in apparel manufacturing.

>> Read more: How 3D Printing and Digital Technologies are Shaping the Future of On-Demand Apparel

3. Automation

Automation and robotics are transforming garment manufacturing by increasing production speed, improving efficiency, and reducing costs. Technologies such as computerized cutting, robotic sewing, and automated ironing and folding streamline the process, cutting down on time and labor while delivering high-quality, consistent products. These advancements not only enhance customer satisfaction but also minimize waste. As AI and machine learning continue to evolve, further optimization of production processes is expected.

The True Sights of Technology in this Digital Fashion Age

While these technologies hold great promise like design virtualization, faster manufacturing, advanced forecasts and rigorous quality assessment. Fashion brands must be aware of common pitfalls. A key risk is heavily investing in new tech without ensuring it aligns with your business needs or offers clear consumer benefits. For instance, adopting VR or AI without understanding their role in your brand's strategy can waste resources and lead to failed projects. 

Another challenge is integrating these technologies into your existing workflows. Without careful planning, introducing AI, VR, or 3D printing can disrupt operations, create inefficiencies, and alienate your team.

Fashion companies must invest in learning more about how to adopt modern technologies in clothing production. A key consideration for fashion brands is carefully selecting their technology supplier, as the right choice can significantly reduce waste of faulty products and costs caused by process errors or implementation issues. Inflow offers a promising solution for medium to large-sized fashion companies looking to harness AI-powered tools and advanced manufacturing technologies.