4 2021 Textile Marketing/Overall Industry Trends

Whether it’s the reduction of microfibers that are polluting the world’s oceans, utilizing more environmental-friendly materials, or circularity, it’s no secret that sustainability is at the helm of the textile industry.

It, therefore, comes as no surprise then, that brands that were not onboard are now joining the party. After all, the textile trends and consumers now demand it.

Consumers’ real lives are becoming increasingly intertwined with the digital world. Therefore, it’s no secret that a multitude of brands and designers must embrace the latest textile trends (as discussed below) and technologies.

As a result, they will push the limits of marketing, manufacturing, wearability, and production.

1. Novel Fabrics

The next generation of novel fabrics and materials are the future of apparel trends. Given that eco-leather isn’t one of the most sustainable options, apparel companies such as Modern Meadow are crafting lab-grown leather without endangering animals. Others such as Bolt Threads are innovating impressively sturdy and durable spider silk.

The latest interactions in printed objects that alter colors include a system known as ColorFab 3D, designed by MIT researchers. It has the uncanny ability to print 3D objects using different types of photochromic ink that change color upon exposure to specific wavelengths of UV light. One of the initial items that these researchers produced was a programmable ring into a vast assortment of customizable colors.

From 2021, Google fans may be able to wear clothing made by this digital tech giant. As a collection of conductive threads used to weave touch-sensitive textiles such as rugs, clothing, tablecloths, and anything else made of fabric, project Jacquard stems from Google’s ATAP lab.

The team behind this innovative project is also in the process of making the possibility of color-shifting with Ebb into a pleasant reality. As a color-changing textile technology, it will one day be programmable to suit different settings or moods.

Moreover, the Ebb materials may aid in conducting a boatload of activities that you currently do on your smartphone or tablet using a color signal instead. For instance, receiving a text message may alter the color of your cuff.

2. Sustainability

Rapid production runs usher in excessive textile waste as lots of apparel typically ends up in landfills, harming not only factory workers but also the environment. About 12.8M tons of clothing is annually sent to landfills, and the textile sector is responsible for 11% of pesticides, 24% of insecticides, 10% of CO2 emissions worldwide, and 20% of the world’s industrial wastewater.

As a result of the detrimental environmental impact, an increasing number of apparel brands and consumers are turning to the ‘slow fashion’ concept and deviating from the pricey and tedious manufacturing process. In turn, more brands are gravitating more towards sustainable production.

Concurrently, more consumers are opting for conscious brands instead of quick fashion. Emerging brands are thereby making moves that are in alignment with consumers’ behaviors. For instance, Hackwith Design House, headquartered in Minnesota is manufacturing their clothing from deadstock fabrics.

3. Shifting Towards Size-Inclusive Fashion

Skyrocketing levels of obesity across the globe have spurred the need for on-trend plus-size fashion. In the past, options for plus-size clothing have been few and far between at a boatload of retail stores and usually relegated to certain sections adjacent to maternity attire.

That’s now starting to change with the birth of size-inclusive initiatives quickly becoming widespread. Stores such as Target have expanded their clothing sizes in stores with luxury brands expected to join the bandwagon of normalizing two-digit sizing.

4. 3D Printing

With the advent of 3D printers, it’s no surprise that a myriad of small and big textile marketing brands have been exploring the possibilities for production on-demand. They will create new avenues for creativity, sustainability, and customization.

Various apparel brands are slowly embracing 3D in their collections as of 2021, ranging from full looks to accessories. Granted, it’s more time-consuming to create. However, 3D printing not only leads to waste reduction but also requires less elbow grease compared to other manufacturing processes.

Furthermore, printing garments on-demand lowers fabric waste by up to 35%. It’s this waste reduction approach that could deliver invaluable insight into the reshaping of the current state of factories and aligning them with a more sustainable environmental and social focus.

Closing Remarks

Keep in mind that these are just a fraction of the overall trends in the textile and fashion industry. New materials usher in new challenges, and consumers’ evolving needs result in greater expectations. In turn, these birth new consumer trends not only in 2021 but also in the years to come.