The bodywear fashion industry is on the brink of an exciting transformation, with 2025 shaping up to be the year where fashion and technology truly converge. This shift is being driven by a wave of technological innovations that are not only redefining the aesthetic possibilities of bodywear but also enhancing its functionality in ways previously unimaginable. As consumer expectations evolve towards more personalised, performance-oriented, and sustainable options, technology is rising to meet the challenge. From cutting-edge fabrics designed to support wellness and optimise performance to advanced manufacturing processes that improve fit and comfort, the role of technology in bodywear is growing ever more pivotal. The future of bodywear is not just about creating better garments — it’s about building a future where fashion serves both the individual and the planet in ways never seen before. Join Bodywear Lab as we explore how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of bodywear fashion.
3D DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING
One of the most significant advancements in fashion technology is the use of 3D design and prototyping, and tools like Style3D and ASSYST are leading the way in this revolution. These cutting-edge platforms enable designers to create precise, detailed digital models of their bodywear collections before a single piece of fabric is cut. The result? Streamlined production processes, faster turnaround times, and a dramatic reduction in errors throughout the manufacturing journey. The ability to visualise bodywear in three dimensions not only enhances design precision but also allows for in-depth fit testing, ensuring garments fit the body flawlessly from every angle.
For bodywear brands focused on both style and functionality, these 3D technologies are game-changing. The advanced capabilities of Style3D and ASSYST allow for the creation of complex, supportive structures—such as bras or shapewear—designed to accommodate a wide range of body shapes. These tools help design garments that provide essential comfort and support, while maintaining an elegant, flattering silhouette. At Bodywear Lab’s microfactory, this 3D technology plays a pivotal role in transforming digital concepts into high-quality, functional pieces that cater to the diverse needs of modern consumers. With the ability to innovate faster and more precisely, brands are better equipped to deliver garments that combine the perfect fit with cutting-edge design.
Take a tour of our microfactory! Get in touch and see for yourself the wonders of 3D for bodywear design.
AI-DRIVEN PERSONALISATION
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another game-changer, especially in the realm of bodywear. With the growing demand for personalised clothing, AI technologies are being leveraged to create garments that meet individual customer needs. AI can analyse customer data, from body measurements to purchase history, to suggest the perfect fit and style. A great example of this in action is the Fit:Match platform, which uses AI and 3D body scanning to recommend the most accurate size for each customer. This technology allows brands to offer customisation at scale, ensuring that bodywear is not only fashion-forward but also designed with each customer in mind. In addition to personalised recommendations, AI is also enhancing garment production. Machine learning algorithms are now used to predict trends, optimise inventory, and streamline the entire design process. Tools like ASSYST’s AI-powered design platform enable bodywear brands to speed up development cycles, while AI-driven data analysis helps them anticipate shifts in consumer preferences. This allows brands to stay one step ahead in an ever-changing market, ensuring they remain agile and responsive to consumer demands.
GLUE BONDING & SEAMLESS CONSTRUCTION
When it comes to bodywear, comfort and durability are non-negotiable. Traditional stitching can sometimes lead to irritation, especially in intimate apparel, but the emergence of glue bonding and seamless construction techniques is solving this problem. Glue bonding leverages advanced adhesives like Bemis’s EverFit technology to seamlessly join fabrics, eliminating the need for visible seams or stitches. This innovative high-stretch solution provides a second-skin fit that adapts effortlessly to every body, delivering a sleek, modern aesthetic while enhancing freedom of movement. One example of this technology in action is Bemis, which provides glue bonding technology for Bodywear Lab starting in 2025. Bemis’ bio-based polyurethane adhesive, made from 25% corn-based feedstock, is specially designed for natural fibres like wool, cotton, and cellulose. This low-modulus adhesive delivers excellent recovery, high bond strength, and a soft hand feel, making it ideal for applications requiring flexibility and precision. Certified by the USDA BioPreferred® program, it represents a sustainable alternative to traditional stitching while maintaining the ability to mold and adapt to complex designs. Complementary innovations, like Santoni’s seamless knitting machines, enhance garment construction by providing flawless, body-hugging fits without visible seams.
Seamless construction is transforming bodywear fashion by eliminating traditional stitching. This results in garments that provide a smooth, sleek fit, adapting to the body’s shape without restrictions. Santoni’s innovative seamless technology is revolutionising the production of sports bras, leggings, and shapewear by combining advanced comfort with cutting-edge functionality. Their latest 3D Terry Towelling innovation, crafted in gauge 28, introduces selective terry structures that enable strategically placed channels for superior breathability and thermoregulation. Additionally, these 3D geometric areas deliver a gentle massaging effect while maintaining ultimate softness, enhancing both performance and everyday wear. This technology not only prioritises flexibility but also elevates the functionality of bodywear, setting a new standard for innovative garment design. For brands, seamless design not only streamlines production but also minimises material waste, contributing to a zero-waste approach. By reducing production steps and maximising efficiency, this method supports sustainable practices while lowering costs, benefiting both the customer and the manufacturer.
Using a combination of traditional stitching and glue bonding finishing, Bodywear Lab is able to create inclusive pro-stretch garments for different Body shapes and sizes through the experimentation of Everfit technology. With the ultimate strategy to reduce waste—resulting in a more sustainable and efficient process holistically for suppliers, manufacturers and consumers.
WELLNESS FABRICS
As consumers become more conscious of wellness and self-care, bodywear is evolving to meet these demands. Enter wellness fabrics—materials that not only support your body but also promote your well-being. One of the most exciting developments is the incorporation of added vitamin C into fabrics. This technology involves infusing fabrics with microencapsulated vitamin C, which is gradually released when in contact with the skin. The result is a garment that offers skin-rejuvenating properties, helping to fight the effects of ageing and pollution.
Several companies are incorporating wellness fabric technology into bodywear, offering garments that support skin health and provide additional benefits like improved circulation. TexDel, for example, uses Nufabrx® technology to infuse fabrics with active ingredients, including vitamin C. This innovation allows the vitamins to be gradually released through the fabric, offering a rejuvenating effect on the skin, even after multiple washes. Similarly, Cilander, a Swiss textile company, creates fabrics that integrate vitamins, including vitamin C, directly into the yarns. These garments are designed to provide wellness benefits through sustained contact with the skin, helping to combat the effects of aging and environmental pollution Another platform, Biosensory Fabrics, integrates wellness technologies such as anti-microbial agents, moisture-wicking properties, and UV protection into their fabrics. These innovative materials are ideal for activewear and bodywear designed to be worn throughout the day, offering not just style and comfort, but added health benefits. If you’re a yarn or fabric supplier looking to join the ever growing Bodywear Collective at Performance Days, Functional Fabric Fair or Functional Textiles, head to the London Contour Experts website to get involved!
If fabric innovation piques your interest, be sure to register as a visitor for next year’s Performance Days show in Munich where we will be showcasing our favourite fabrics.
As we look towards 2025, it’s clear that the convergence of fashion and technology is driving unprecedented innovation in the bodywear industry. From 3D design and AI-powered personalisation to alternative zero waste constructions and wellness fabrics, these technologies are not just changing the way bodywear looks—they’re making it smarter, more comfortable, and even better for our bodies. For brands that embrace these advancements, 2025 will not just be the year of convergence—it will be the year of reinvention.