Technology is changing fast. The millennials have seen more technological advances than the Baby Boomers. And it is happening fast. From the way we behave to the way we dress, technology is driving us. In this article I am going to pinpoint major technological advances which transformed the way we dress, even you can call it the future of fashion.
How Technology is Changing The Future of Fashion
1. Industrialization of Looms
Looms have been in existence since 4000 years ago. We have recorded evidences from all around the world that woven fabrics were in use as early as 36000 years ago. In the last century, with the help of industrial technologies, there have been exponential advances in the way we made fabrics.
Industrial looms helped us make fabrics at a higher speed and at a lower prices. More people were able to afford fabrics.
The picture above is a pictorial representation of the 18th century India. They had less clothes to wear.
As you can see in this image, modern Indian definitely had more than a shirt to wear. Thanks to advancements in technology.
“It is a crime to impose all the achievements on technological advancements in fashion. Rather, it was a culmination of advancements in related fields like farming, science and information”
2. Invention of Synthetic Fibers
Hilaire de Chardonnet, a French engineer invented the first artificial silk in the late 1870’s. This inventions was the remedy towards the epidemic that was destroying French silkworms.
This was followed by the invention of viscose and then later, the Nylon. Synthetic fibers were easily made and it helped even more to produce lasting fabrics. They were more durable. Some interesting applications of synthetic fibers were the waterproof fabric, stretchable fabrics and the stain resistant fabrics.
3. Transparency in Manufacturing
In the modern world, brands are in continuous communication with their customers. Leveraging social media, they constantly bombard with content to engage them. From LGBTQ+ day to George Floyd incident, global brands always take a position in such events. It makes the brands more lovable and sell more products.
Today, the customers are environment conscious, thanks to Greta Thunberg. Brands are forced to double think their manufacturing processes. The recent incident in Xinjiang, China, regarding the forced labor, send shock waves throughout the world. Brands like Nike and H&M banned cottons from these Chinese region.
Now the customers want the products to be ethically and sustainably sourced and manufactured. This led the manufacturers towards various products like Hemp, banana fiber, recycled fibers and other waste to wear products.
4. Tech Integrated Clothing
Technology is being integrated into everything we use. It is now in our watches and clothes. Yes, even clothes are being developed by tech companies like Google. They partnered with Levis to make Jacquard by Google. Creating apparels that are more friendly and useful to the modern man.
Isn’t it amazing to see how much we have evolved? We still have more to go. More inventions will come. What are your thoughts on this? Comment below