In recent years, the growing awareness and demand for wellness and sustainability have led apparel brands, both large and small, to reevaluate their product offerings and embrace innovative technologies and materials. This shift towards wellness and sustainability is driven by consumer preferences for products that align with their values, as well as a recognition of the long-term benefits of incorporating eco-friendly and health-focused elements into apparel.

The challenge of longevity as with any electronic device, e-textiles face the challenge of limited lifespan. With technological advancements happening at a rapid pace, e-textiles can quickly become outdated, leaving users with a product that no longer meets their needs. Additionally, the integration of electronic components into textiles poses challenges when it comes to maintenance and repair. These factors contribute to the growing issue of electronic waste and the strain it places on our environment.

The fashion industry has been notoriously slow to adopt sustainable practices, but one area where sustainable innovation is beginning to take hold is in 3D size standards. By using 3D scanning and virtual fitting technologies, brands can create more accurate size standards, reducing waste and improving the customer experience. In this blog post, we will explore how 3D size standards impact sustainability, brand messaging, and the bottom line for apparel brands.

The world of textiles is constantly evolving, with new fibers and fabrics emerging all the time. From sustainable and eco-friendly options to high-tech textiles that can sense and react to the environment, the future of fibers and fabrics is exciting and full of potential.

Here are some of the fibers and fabrics of the future that we can expect to see more of in the years to come:

Balancing your Brand to Meet Consumer Needs in a Hybrid Lifestyle

We always say, if a product doesn’t fit the body, it won’t be worn, no matter how cute the design. It ultimately plays in your subconscious when picking what to wear. As creatures of comfort, we will ultimately seek comfortable apparel and wearables.

In contrast, the apparel industry is rapidly accelerating in its adoption of new technologies and best practices from other industries. While outsourcing product development can be a best practice, a resource many other industries have successfully utilized, apparel brands still have a slow acceptance rate of this best practice. Why?

Working with an external design and development company can be a great way to expand your business and access new ideas and expertise. Defining your goals and expectations for a project before you start working with an external design and development company is important. This can include things like timelines, budget, and desired outcomes. Are you looking for help with product design, prototyping, manufacturing, or all the above?

We are often asked how we evolved into creating integrated wearable devices. This evolution is easily understood when you consider our depth of knowledge of the human body, fit, and biomechanics coupled with the decades of product knowledge of complex garments we have created. Stepping into the integration of technology such as displays, sensors, and processors into clothing to create smart garments that further enhance consumer's lives was a natural stepping stone.

The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) for textile design, garment design and marketing involves the integration of virtual elements, such as images and animations, into the real-world view of textiles and clothing. This technology enhances the visual representation of textiles and clothing and provides an immersive shopping experience for consumers.