Prior to the mid-19th century, nearly all clothing was handmade for individuals, either as home production or on order from dressmakers and tailors, however, by the beginning of the 20th century, clothing had increasingly come to be mass-produced in standard sizes and sold at fixed prices.
It was driven by the rise of new technologies such as the sewing machine, the rise of global capitalism and the development of the factory system of production, and the proliferation of retail outlets such as department stores.
In recent years, fashion themes have revolutionized the industry. Fashion themes are the most effective way to excite consumers. Brands and suppliers both can boost their business effectively following the trending fashion theme.
Here are ten emerging themes that will be high on the leadership agenda this year.
- Global economy and climate crisis
In 2024, the global economic outlook will continue to be volatile, as fiscal, and geopolitical and other challenges weigh on consumer confidence. Fashion markets in China, Europe and the US will likely face headwinds, some of which reflect distinct regional dynamics. Suppliers, brands and retailers may need to strengthen contingency plans and manage for uncertainty. The climate crisis will be a higher priority than in previous years. With physical and transformation risks increasing across the continent, industry must not delay in addressing emissions and building resilience in supply chains.
- Consumer shifts
Consumers are gearing up for the biggest year of travel since before the pandemic. Expectations are evolving, even as shopping remains a priority. Brands and retailers will refresh distribution and category strategies to reflect the new reality. Demand for technical outdoor apparel will increase as consumers adopt healthier lifestyles. In 2024, more outdoor brands are expected to launch lifestyle collections. At the same time, lifestyle brands will likely collect technical elements, blurring the lines between function and style.
- Sustainable clothing
The apparel industry faces significant challenges related to waste management and resource depletion. The impact of these issues emphasizes the importance of recyclable and renewable materials. This has led to a decisive shift towards more sustainable practices that offer biodegradable alternatives. Environmental awareness is growing increasingly among eco-conscious consumers. Hence these sustainable practices not only contribute to the preservation of the environment but also to the enhancement of the industries brand image and economic viability. Manufacturers and brands can experience improved reliability and cost savings by taking green initiatives.
- Artificial Intelligence in Apparel
The year 2024 is poised to revolutionize the apparel industry with artificial intelligence, impacting everything from manufacturing and design to sales and customer experience. AI-powered systems in manufacturing will detect and correct fabric defects with high precision. Generative AI will encourage the creation of innovative digital garments in design. AI will also improve personalized online shopping experiences by analyzing consumer data to tailor product offerings and marketing strategies.
- Smart Fabrics
Incorporating technologies such as smart fabrics, flexible electronics, sensors and actuators directly into textiles will revolutionize the apparel industry. Along with aesthetics, these innovations offer functional benefits such as health monitoring and improved safety. For example, graphene-infused fabrics adapt to body temperature, while color-changing materials react to external stimuli, all of which offer dynamic fashion possibilities.
- Biotechnology in Apparel
Utilizing biological processes, the biotechnology clothing manufacturing trend will develop bio-based clothing and environmentally friendly manufacturing methods in 2024. These include lab-grown textiles and engineered dyes, which are more sustainable than traditional chemical dyes. These advances represent a significant step towards eco-friendly clothing production, lead the way in sustainable fashion solutions by reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
- Fashion Metaverse
The fashion metaverse is emerging as a major trends while the integration of fashion with digital technology evolves rapidly. Fashion Metaverse allows virtual clothing creation, customization and trading, enabling users to dress up their avatars in unique digital designs. In 2024, the inclusive trend of fashion gamification will further increase, blending virtual and physical fashion experiences. It will add a new dimension to consumer engagement that redefines the boundaries of personalization.
- 3D Printing
This trend is about to change. Psychedelic and leopard prints have been seen on most of the fashion week runways. After the fashion weeks this year, there is a new craze for psychedelic and leopard prints among fashionistas. 3D printing is transforming both the design and manufacturing processes in the apparel industry. 3D printing’s on-demand production model aligns with sustainable materials and practices to reduce waste, energy consumption and emissions. This year was floral and tropical prints.
- Technology Adaption
Technologies such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) offer a holistic approach to managing complex operations. These technologies provide critical insights and analytics for better decision making. The integration of these technologies will increase in 2024 resulting improved operational efficiency, increased supply chain agility and responsiveness, enabling the apparel business to adapt quickly to market changes.
- Circular Fashion
A significant trend in the apparel industry in 2024 will be the growing popularity of circular fashion and the resale market. This approach promotes a more sustainable life cycle for clothing. Circular fashion emphasizes sustainability, recyclability and ethical production methods. It focuses on designing products with end-of-life in mind. Resale market trends are changing consumer attitudes, especially among younger demographics who prioritize sustainability and ethical consumption. This trend will increase in 2024.
