One of the reasons we love the denim game is that it’s a constant in the fast-paced fashion world, something that doesn’t change from season to season.
But denim was constantly changing. Early innovations in denim included flying shuttles and sewing machines. And recent technologies like laser, ozone, and fiber have been revolutionary.
Shortly, we will see the digital transformation of manufacturing through market research (also known as ‘big data’) and robotics to create ‘smart factories’ and decentralized digital supply chains.
Companies like Softwear Automation are introducing fully automated sewing lines, while creative software like MYR digitizes the creative processes for jeans.
But keeping up with all the new trends in the industry can be overwhelming. That’s why—with the help of half a dozen experts—I’ve put together what we think are the 10 most surprising and innovative denim trends and technologies you need to know and check out.
The list is not exhaustive or in any way definitive. And innovation is not listed as a priority. Instead, I listed them based on the chronology of Denim manufacturing raw materials into finished garments.
Idea 1 : Collaborate with customers
Collaborate with customers to develop personalized denim designs through online customization platforms, allowing them to select fabric, fit, wash, and embellishments according to their preferences.
A real-life example of this idea is the New York-based denim brand Creature Of. This brand has developed a platform that allows customers to customize their denim products, including the fit, wash, and size. Customers can visualize their designs in a sample room, and the brand’s offerings range from $175 to $195 depending on the elements a shopper chooses to add to a pair.
Idea 2 : Leverage (AR) technology
Leverage augmented reality (AR) technology to enable customers to virtually try on different denim styles and customize them in real time, providing a unique and interactive shopping experience.
American Eagle Outfitters Inc. partnered with Snapchat to launch a “dress yourself” augmented reality experience. As part of their back-to-school 2021 campaign, customers could shop and try on selected looks using the self-facing camera on their mobile devices.
Idea 3 : Offer a subscription
Offer a subscription-based model where customers can receive a curated selection of denim pieces tailored to their style preferences, size, and fit, ensuring continuous engagement and customer satisfaction.
Nuuly is a clothing rental subscription service that allows subscribers to borrow six items at a time for $88 a month. The service includes brands like Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters, and it uses an algorithm to learn what subscribers like and re-sort the products they see accordingly.
Idea 4 : Partner with local tailors
Partner with local tailors and offer alteration services that allow customers to customize the fit of their denim purchases, catering to individual body types and style preferences.
There are numerous tailoring shops in Clifton, New Jersey, that offer jeans/denim alterations. These shops provide services like hemming and resizing, allowing customers to customize the fit of their denim purchases.
Idea 5 : Create a mobile app
Create a mobile app that enables customers to design and share their denim creations, fostering a community of denim enthusiasts while providing valuable feedback and insights for product development.
While there isn’t a specific example of a mobile app for designing and sharing denim creations, there are apps like Repsketch that allow users to re-purpose and customize existing sketches created by a community of top technical fashion designers.
Idea 6 : Develop a virtual showroom
Develop a virtual showroom experience where customers can explore and customize denim products in a digital environment, eliminating the need for physical inventory and reducing costs associated with space and logistics.
Nike has used augmented reality in its “House of Innovation” store in New York City to create a gamified discovery center where shoppers can interact with virtual wildlife and progress through a series of AR-based challenges.
Idea 7 : Integrate smart wearable technology
Integrate smart wearable technology into denim products to collect data on customer preferences, usage patterns, and fit feedback, enabling continuous improvement and personalization of future designs.
While there isn’t a specific example of a denim brand integrating smart wearable technology into its products, this concept is similar to how fitness brands use wearable technology to collect data on user activity and health metrics.
Idea 8 : Implement a data-driven approach
Implement a data-driven approach to analyze customer feedback and purchase history, leveraging machine learning algorithms to recommend personalized denim options and anticipate their evolving needs and preferences.
Nuuly uses an algorithm to learn what subscribers like and re-sort the products they see accordingly. This is a data-driven approach that uses customer feedback and rental history to personalize the service.
Idea 9 : Establish a sustainable denim initiative
Establish a sustainable denim initiative that allows customers to customize their jeans using eco-friendly materials and production methods, aligning with increasing consumer demand for environmentally conscious fashion.
Creature Of creates minimal waste by only creating made-to-order items and holding zero inventory. This approach aligns with the increasing consumer demand for environmentally conscious fashion.
Idea 10 : Create partnerships with influencers
Create partnerships with fashion influencers and celebrities to develop limited-edition denim collections, leveraging their unique style and influence to attract new customers and increase brand visibility.
While there isn’t a specific example of a denim brand partnering with influencers or celebrities to create limited-edition collections, this strategy is commonly used in the fashion industry to attract new customers and increase brand visibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the denim industry continues to evolve, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology and consumer-centric innovations. By embracing these strategies, premium denim businesses can stay ahead in a competitive market, offering unique and personalized experiences that resonate with modern customers.
Whether it’s through sustainability, digital transformation, or enhanced customer interaction, these tactics are set to shape the future of denim, making it a versatile and enduring staple in the fashion world.
