5 trends in the world of fashion that can inspire the retail sector

The fashion sector is one of the sectors that has embarked most quickly on online sales and digital transformation. We present you 7 fundamental keys to understand the future of fashion and be inspired by them for your own business for the final consumer.

The concept 'retail' refers to an economic sector that encompasses companies whose activity is focused on the mass marketing of uniform products or services to large numbers of customers. In particular, when this is applied to fashion, one must think of the big brands, such as Inditex or H&M, which operate at a high level, almost acting as a textile supermarket at the user level.

The fashion industry has been booming in recent years, putting into practice all sorts of innovative ways to shop for clothes. Consumers are asking for more variety and a more accessible shopping experience.

Given the computing facilities of the modern world, the increasing digitalization of the business sector and the changes in the behavior of users in purchases through the Internet, how can the new scenario affect textile trends?

In 2018, it is estimated that the online purchase of fashion products will reach 40% of the total e-commerce. And this indicator will continue to rise in 2020, when it will reach 42%. But what remains to be explored in the most adventurous and risky sector of the entire market?

Fashion carries change and experimentation in its DNA. His own concept is linked to innovation and evolution. These are the 5 most exciting paths that remain to be traveled in the coming years.

1. ECOLOGICAL FASHION

The percentage of the market that covers the new ecological consumption grows exponentially and surprisingly each year. However, it is still necessary to make this consumption something suggestive and popular for the great masses.

It is not just a question of stimulating the part of the potential public that is ecologically aware, but of bringing that awareness to the general public. 2020 will finally be the year that sustainable clothing becomes a mainstream trend.

2. INTERACTIVE CLOTHING

The concept of interactive clothing, capable of relating to our environment, is beginning to sound more and more loudly.

For example, there are already dresses capable of acting as a pH indicator when rain falls on the fabric. In this case, its purpose is to provide a specific approach to visualize air quality through rainwater. Its joint use with the mobile application allows keeping a historical record of this data.

Another example is mattresses or pajamas for babies that change color when the child has a fever.

These examples are just one of the many in which technology helps us relate to the natural environment in a simple way, controlling factors that affect our health and comfort with the clothes we wear.

3. CUSTOMIZED SHOES

In many other products, customization focuses more on the aesthetic part, so that the product adjusts to our tastes and preferences.

In the world of footwear, although this is an important factor, it is joined by another even more differentiating factor, such as comfort and convenience, something key in this sector.

Perhaps for this reason, custom-made shoes made with the latest technologies can be the new revolution. A footprint is enough to make a 3D print that corresponds to the exact measurements of the foot that is going to be fitted.

4. BIOENGINEERING

Bioengineering of materials is another area that shows great promise when it comes to sustainable solutions for fashion. The factory is no longer the epicenter of material creation; now, and increasingly, it is being replaced by the laboratory.

For this, components ranging from food waste and mold to algae and fungi are used. The results are fabrics that are not only original, but also offer innovative textures and aesthetics. In addition, they are biodegradable and are created using greener techniques.

5. PURCHASE BY SUBSCRIPTION

In the same way that there are more and more online platforms to consume audiovisual content under subscription, pages are beginning to emerge, such as Rent The Runway, which offer fashion accessories for a fixed amount per month (in this case, $49).

Subscribers choose from an endless variety of bags, sunglasses and headphones, selecting three to be delivered each month, shipping and insurance included. It is a new consumption model that is gaining followers.