Virtual Clothing and Digital Fashion have become sought-after topics. With the rise of social media and virtual spaces, digital fashion is the next step. Creative and tech-pack designers adopting this technology have an upper edge. Adopting virtual reality technology can save many costs and reduce environmental impact. Virtual clothing involves creating garments that exist solely in the digital realm. This allows people to express themselves through unique and imaginative designs. Also, I can see things working out in reality.
What is Virtual Clothing or Digital Fashion
Virtual Clothing refers to designing and showcasing garment styles with 3-dimensional crokies. With this, viewers can visualize a garment’s appearance based on a particular body type. This is just the way we do on a mannequin, not actually, but in a virtual fashion environment. It is a product of the growing field of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. Virtual clothing can be designed and applied to digital representations of people, such as avatars in video games.
Advantages of Virtual Clothing In Mass Apparel Production
Virtual fashion environments allow users to dress up their digital avatars in virtual environments. Designers create these virtual garments using computer-aided design (CAD) software. They also apply them to 3D models of human figures. Designers customize virtual clothing in style, color, texture, and patterns. This will give an image of customers wearing the garment and understanding how it will look and fit on them. They can do this through a virtual environment or digital representation.
Virtual clothing does not just include garments. It can also include accessories like hats, shoes, jewelry, etc. It can also be created for various purposes. This includes gaming, virtual fashion shows, and try-on experiences for online stores. Here, users can interact with each other through their avatars.
Benefits of Virtual Clothing In the Apparel Industry
Virtual clothing can contribute to cost reduction in the fashion industry in several ways. There are several advantages to using digital fashion in the apparel industry, some of which are mentioned below.
Design and Prototyping:
Digital fashion enables tech pack designers to create and visualize garments in a digital environment. This helps overcome many loopholes in the garment before physically producing them. It also eliminates the need for expensive fabric and manufacturing materials for every iteration. Designers can experiment with different styles, colors, and patterns virtually, reducing the cost of making physical prototypes and samples. This is particularly helpful when designing and prototyping garments for plus-size fashion brands. Therefore, Technical designers with experience in Digital fashion design are preferred.
Virtual Try-On:
Digital fashion allows customers to try on using augmented and virtual reality. This technology eliminates the need for physical inventory and the associated costs. As a result, the cost associated with storing, transporting, and managing stock is reduced. Customers can try on the item virtually and make purchase decisions. This reduces return and exchange when you have a virtual tryout and reduces the cost to a large extent.
Sustainable Manufacturing:
Virtual clothing promotes sustainable manufacturing practices by reducing the reliance on physical garments. The fashion industry is notorious for its environmental impact, exacerbated by excessive waste from production and unsold inventory. Virtual clothing helps minimize overproduction and waste, promoting a more sustainable and cost-effective approach.
Supply Chain Optimization:
Virtual clothing can streamline the supply chain by digitizing various stages. Virtual product development and visualization allow for better communication, smoothing the collaboration between designers, manufacturers, and retailers. Finally, they reduce lead times and minimize errors, optimizing costs associated with delays, rework, and loopholes in the traditional supply chain.
Personalization and Customization:
Digital fashion allows for personalized and customized experiences for customers. Digital avatars can be tailored to individual body measurements, preferences, and styles. This customization reduces the need for mass production and excess inventory, saving brands costs. Building a collection line sheet and showcasing it to the wholesalers becomes easier.
Bridging The Gap: How It Helps Reduce Time and Money
There is still a gap between virtual and physical fashion. And there is a growing interest in bridging the gap between them. The fashion industry is adopting this technology rapidly in clothing design. Also, it helps get the right fit and look at a garment style. There is a growing demand for tech pack designers with the skills to develop 3D mockups. Brands and clothing companies are now adopting new technology advancements. They are exploring the concept of creating virtual versions of garment styles. This is possible by using digital fabrication like 3D printing.