Revolutionising Fashion: The Rise of Local Manufacturing in Brands of Tomorrow

07 September 2023

Revolutionising Fashion: The Rise of Local Manufacturing in Brands of Tomorrow

In today’s fast-paced world of fashion, where trends change with the blink of an eye, consumers are increasingly looking for innovative brands that not only provide stylish and comfortable products but also prioritise sustainability and ethical practices.

One significant shift in the fashion industry is the resurgence of local manufacturing. Many lingerie, swimwear, and activewear brands are choosing to manufacture their products locally, shortening the production process and bringing a host of benefits to both consumers and the environment. Local manufacturing, once a common practice, took a backseat as globalisation in the 20th century led to the outsourcing of production to countries with lower labour costs. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a resurgence of interest in producing goods closer to home, driven by several key factors. Join Bodywear Lab as we explore the many benefits of local manufacturing and why innovative brands within the contour industry are moving their production closer to home.

3D DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

One of the most significant drivers behind the shift to local manufacturing in the fashion industry is the integration of 3D design technology. Traditional fashion design and manufacturing processes can be slow and resource-intensive, often involving numerous iterations of physical prototypes. With 3D design technology, designers can create digital prototypes that are incredibly accurate and realistic. These digital designs can be easily shared with local manufacturers, streamlining the production process. Manufacturers can use these 3D designs to create patterns, cut fabric, and assemble garments more efficiently, significantly reducing lead times. This means that innovative fashion brands can respond quickly to emerging trends and consumer demands, ensuring that their products reach the market faster than ever before. Benefits of 3D design technology include:

Reduced Waste: 3D design technology allows for precise calculations of fabric requirements, minimising material waste during production.
Cost Efficiency: Fewer physical prototypes and faster production cycles result in cost savings for both brands and consumers.
Enhanced Customisation: Brands can offer more personalised and tailored products, catering to individual preferences and body types.

Want to take your brand to the next level with 3D product design technology? Check out our 3D services here!

NAVIGATING BREXIT, COVID-19, AND RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS

While the shift to local manufacturing offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider the external factors that have accelerated this trend. The combined impact of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and resource constraints has created a perfect storm that has compelled fashion brands to reevaluate their supply chains.

BREXIT

The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union has introduced uncertainties and complexities into the supply chain for many fashion brands. Tariffs, customs checks, and increased administrative burdens have made it more challenging to source materials and manufacture products overseas. In response, many brands are opting for local manufacturing to avoid these complications and maintain a more reliable supply chain.

COVID-19

The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, causing delays and shortages in the fashion industry. Lockdowns, factory closures, and transportation restrictions created a sense of urgency to diversify and regionalise production. Brands recognised the vulnerabilities of relying solely on offshore manufacturing and sought local alternatives to mitigate risks.

RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS

Environmental concerns and the depletion of finite resources have led to a growing interest in sustainable fashion. Local manufacturing can reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and promote the use of eco-friendly materials. Additionally, it encourages brands to explore alternative, more sustainable materials that are both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.

Manufacturing locally is the answer to a lot of these production pain points for fashion businesses, but another great reason to produce closer to home is because it allows for more creative control. When all your production is handled overseas, it can be difficult to keep on top of quality and communication can be tricky with time differences or language barriers. Especially for entrepreneurs, choosing to manufacture locally means it is easier for you to make trips to check on your production as well as implement any changes much faster than if overseas.

Local manufacturing aligns perfectly with the fashion industry’s growing focus on sustainability as it helps reduce your business’s carbon footprint with reduced travel needs. Innovative brands are exploring cheaper yet sustainable materials that not only benefit the environment but also meet the demands of cost-conscious and eco-conscious consumers.

If you’re looking for support with sourcing, whether that’s sourcing consultancy or custom sourcing, we offer it all here at Bodywear Lab, as well as a sourcing masterclass which will be coming very soon. Click here to read more about our wide range of sourcing services.

EMBRACING SUSTAINABLE AND AFFORDABLE MATERIALS

RECYCLED FABRICS

Many fashion brands are now using recycled materials such as post-consumer plastic bottles, discarded fishing nets, and old textiles to create sustainable swimwear and activewear. These materials not only reduce waste but also minimise the need for new resource extraction. Here at Bodywear Lab, we have relationships with sustainable material suppliers and our experts are always on hand to advise the most appropriate fabrics for your products.

BIOFABRICATION

Cutting-edge technology allows for the creation of fabrics from renewable resources like mushrooms, algae, and bacteria. These bio fabricated materials are not only sustainable but can also be tailored for specific performance attributes, making them ideal for activewear.

Smart tech fabrics are also trending and can have a multitude of benefits such as monitoring heart rate, regulating body temperature or interactive light features. To learn more about smart tech fabrics read our blog here where we explore the future of fabric.

The innovative contour industry is experiencing a transformation driven by local manufacturing, 3D design technology, and a commitment to sustainability. Brands that embrace these trends are not only shortening their production processes but also reducing their environmental footprint, enhancing customisation, and navigating the challenges posed by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. As consumers increasingly seek out ethically produced, sustainable fashion, these forward-thinking brands are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the market while championing responsible practices in the fashion world. With these changes, the future of fashion looks bright, stylish, and sustainable, with brands of tomorrow leading the charge.

Brands of Tomorrow is a curated program, designed to support the growth of an exclusive group of creative entrepreneurs embarking on the journey to develop their businesses in the bodywear sector. Apply here for the chance to become part of this year’s Brands of Tomorrow program with the London Contour Experts Group.

Blogs

Fashion Meets Technology: Why 2025 is the Year of Bodywear Innovation

View Blog