Where next for 3D Design?

3D design in fashion has reached an inflection point.

The use of 3D technology in fashion design has made huge strides in the last decade and accelerated during the Covid pandemic as brands and retailers were forced to digitise and search for efficiencies. The march of 3D shows no signs of slowing down. It would be folly to presume that it has reached anything approaching maturity. Social media and global connectivity mean the pressure to bring new lines to market quickly is practically real-time.

Being that time of year, the WFI decided to highlight some areas where we think there will be increased traction in 3D in 2023.

1. Increased Personalization: One of the biggest benefits of 3D design is the ability to create custom, made-to-order items. In the future, we will see more brands offering 3D design tools that allow customers to customize their own clothing and accessories. This could include choosing specific colors, patterns, and styles, as well as making adjustments to the fit and size of the item.
   
2. Virtual Try-Ons: 3D technology has already made it easier for consumers to visualize how an item will look on them before they buy it, and we anticipate that 2023 will bring even more advanced virtual try-on experiences. We’re already seeing the use of virtual reality or augmented reality technologies allowing customers to virtually try on and interact with different items in real-time, and this trend will continue.
   
3. Sustainable Production: In addition to streamlining the design process, 3D technology also helps to make fashion production more sustainable. For example, brands can use 3D to create items on demand, which reduce waste and excess inventory. In addition, 3D allows brands to use more recycled and eco-friendly materials in their products, as they can create precise patterns and designs without having to rely on physical materials.
   
4. Customized Fit: Despite the onward march of technology, FIT remains one of the biggest challenges in fashion. Good fit drives brand loyalty, reduces returns/protects margins, and reduces wastage (we’ve all got that pair of jeans in our wardrobe that sort of fits, but in such a way that we rarely wear them, nor get rid of them). 3D will continue to chip away at this problem by allowing brands to create custom fits for each individual customer. Body scanning technologies and 3D design tools to create clothes that fit perfectly will continue to be a growth area in 2023.
   
5. Virtual Runways: The COVID-19 pandemic forced many fashion brands to go digital, and 3D technology has played a big role in this shift. In the future, we will see more virtual fashion shows and runways that use 3D technology to create immersive and interactive experiences for viewers around the World. Yes, Covid taught us that getting together under one roof was something we took for granted and is irreplaceable, but the scope and potential of virtual, especially for emerging designers, will continue to drive this trend.

What trends have we missed?