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06 January 2024
Technology Advancing The Fashion Bodywear Industry In 2024
As we enter 2024, the fashion industry is becoming evermore entangled with technology.
Advancements are continuously redefining the landscape particularly when it comes to lingerie, swimwear and activewear. The fusion of cutting-edge technologies with contour fashion design and production is revolutionising how both consumers and industry professionals perceive, create, and wear bodywear garments. From seamless constructions and bonding techniques to the integration of Web 3 in the form of 3D design, AI, and VR, the fashion industry is witnessing an unprecedented wave of innovation, propelling bodywear into an era of unparalleled comfort, style, and functionality. Join Bodywear Lab as we explore the cutting-edge technological advancements making waves in the fashion bodywear industry.
SEAMLESS REVOLUTION
Seamless bodywear is a marvel of specialised knitting, however not the typical kind with needles and wool. Unlike conventional stitched underwear, circular knitting machines craft seamless underwear by creating an unbroken fabric tube, eliminating side seams. This technique maximises comfort and aesthetics while reducing chafing and irritation. Choosing the right materials is key to creating soft, stretchy seamless underwear. Fabrics such as nylon, lycra and spandex offer a perfect balance of gentle touch while providing essential elasticity for effortless movement, resulting in underwear that feels like a second skin.
Creating seamless underwear begins with designing the product patterns for automatic circular knitting machines. High-speed knitting machines bring these designs to life, with one machine attendant overseeing multiple units. Seamless underwear minimises, rather than eliminates, seams, especially in areas prone to visible panty lines like the leg holes. These garments are either stitch-free or have minimal stitching, often created directly from yarns through the knitting process, producing wearable pieces straight from the machine.
The evolution of seamless bodywear from trend to industry standard is evident. Innovations in knitting and weaving technologies have birthed intricate designs and functionalities, promising unparalleled comfort and support in 2024. Seamless technology helps to streamline production lead times by eliminating fabric cutting and reducing stitching operations, curbing resource wastage. Leading brands like SKIMS offer exceptional seamless underwear, rivalling even their signature bodysuits. Their range includes sculpting mid-waist briefs providing core support and a lifted bum, alongside seamless bras like the Sculpt Bra and Soft Smoothing Bralette, fitting flawlessly under bodycon outfits.
From Savage x Fenty to Hanky Panky and Boux Avenue, contour brands now offer seamless shapewear, thongs, and bras. Even apparel-led labels like Marks & Spencer, Everlane, and Free People are embracing the seamless trend, spotting the market’s growing desire for seamless products.
Want to learn more about new and emerging technologies within fashion fabric? Head to London Contour Experts to read their blog on 15 suppliers innovating the bodywear space.
BONDING & WELDING
However, there are a variety of new techniques being developed to achieve a soft, smooth and seamless finish to bodywear products, two of which are bonding and welding. Welding comes in three different types: heat, ultrasonic and laser. Heat welding employs high temperatures to fuse fabric surfaces, establishing a sturdy bond. Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency vibrations to generate heat and friction, bonding thermoplastic materials and laser welding utilises laser energy to precisely melt and unite textile components. Bonding, on the other hand, incorporates adhesive, enabling its use across all fabrics, including 100% cotton.
Although they serve different purposes, both techniques can coexist in the same garment. Bonding delivers a smooth seam, whereas ultrasonic welding for example can create embossed motifs along the seam. Manufacturers can now produce products such as stitchless swimwear, using thermoplastic fabrics and ultrasonic welding machines or bonding techniques. The benefits of products made from these new technologies range from ‘no pucker’ seams to no needle or thread marks, which can help the product be more durable and therefore sustainable.
Bonded underwear, crafted without stitches or seams, fuses fabric layers using heat, pressure, and adhesive materials, yielding a sleek, second-skin-like finish. Notably, the type of adhesive used matters; polyurethane-based glue, renowned for its strength, flexibility, and heat resistance, is a staple in creating durable bonded underwear. Additionally, silicone-based glue is favoured for its water resistance and adhesion properties, often used for non-slip grips in bras or to secure underwear without additional elastic.
Prominent brands like Commando, Spanx, and Natori excel in seamless underwear and shapewear, employing bonded construction techniques. Commando’s patented “raw-cut” edges rely on specially designed polyurethane-based glue while Spanx incorporates silicone-based adhesives in their “SmartGrip” technology for garment stability. Bonding and welding technology have both emerged as a game-changer in the production of bodywear. Both techniques not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to improved durability and functionality of bodywear.
WEB 3
The fusion of 3D technology and the fashion bodywear industry has led to a seismic shift in design, production, and consumer engagement. From revolutionising product design to enhancing personalization, 3D technology has become an invaluable asset. Designers now harness the combined power of computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D to craft intricate, precise designs in a virtual environment.
This technology allows for rapid prototyping, enabling faster iterations and reducing time-to-market. Complex patterns and innovative shapes can be visualised and adjusted with unparalleled ease, expediting the design process and fostering creativity across time zones. 3D product design also allows for the visualisation of elaborate design details plus a chance for the development team to see how the garment will look on a soft body and in motion before any production takes place. In 2024, the global adoption of 3D design software will empower designers to experiment with complex shapes, textures, and structures, pushing the boundaries of innovation in bodywear design, as well as eliminating unnecessary wastage.
Want your brand to have stunning 3D models of your products? See how we helped Playboy with our 3D design service!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the bodywear industry by offering personalised experiences to consumers. AI algorithms analyse consumer data to suggest personalised designs, sizes, and styles, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. This level of customization strengthens the relationship between brands and consumers, leading to a more engaged and loyal customer base. AI algorithms can also analyse data from body scans to create bespoke bodywear solutions and offer products tailored to the unique consumer. These scanners capture precise body measurements, facilitating the creation of made-to-measure garments. Brands hoping to excel in 2024 should leverage this technology to offer bespoke bodywear experiences, ensuring an impeccable fit for each individual customer.
Moreover, Augmented Reality (AR) fitting rooms have revolutionised the shopping experience. With AR technology, consumers can virtually try on bodywear items using their smartphones or dedicated AR devices. This technology provides accurate size and fit estimations, reducing the need for physical fittings and returns. It enhances convenience for shoppers and reduces the environmental impact associated with product returns.
The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) into catwalk shows has transformed how fashion is presented. VR technology enables immersive experiences, allowing audiences to virtually attend shows from anywhere in the world. Designers showcase their bodywear collections in detailed, interactive VR environments, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity within the industry. From streamlined design processes to personalised consumer experiences through AI, VR, AR, and 3D printing, these advancements are reshaping the way bodywear is conceptualised, produced, and experienced. Embracing these technologies continues to drive progress, fostering creativity and sustainability within the industry.
Want to incorporate 3D, AI or VR into your brand’s next social campaign but not sure where to start? Head to our sister company HYSCULPT to learn more about their range of 3D marketing services and read their blog on how 5 major fashion brands launched their campaigns using 3D assets.
THE FUTURE OF FASHION BODYWEAR
The convergence of these technological innovations is propelling the fashion bodywear industry into a future defined by comfort, functionality, and individuality. As 2024 unfolds, further breakthroughs in materials science, sustainability, and augmented reality (AR) integration, will promise an era where bodywear seamlessly merges with technology to cater to diverse consumer needs and preferences.
The fusion of seamless technology, bonding techniques, 3D design, AI-driven customization, and VR fittings represents a paradigm shift in the fashion bodywear industry. These advancements not only redefine the way we design and create garments but also reshape the consumer experience, offering tailor-made solutions and heightened comfort. As we embrace these innovations, the future of fashion bodywear looks poised to cater to the individuality and dynamism of the modern consumer.
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