Overview:

India is one of the top producers of textiles and apparel in the world. About 2% of India’s GDP,
or 7% of industry output in value terms, comes from the domestic garment and textile sector. In
2020–21, textile, clothing, and handicraft exports made up 11.4% of all Indian exports. India
accounts for 4% of global textile and clothing trade. The present trending technology in textile
manufacturing suggests that the future of apparel manufacturing technology is bright.
Product design is being transformed by artificial intelligence. Manufacturing supply chains are
being streamlined through the use of technology to speed up production, allow direct-to-
consumer distribution, rethink in-store and online shopping experiences, and develop customized
products for particular consumers. Machine learning, supply chain advancements, rapid data
analytics, 3D capabilities, and bespoke production runs are five hot trending technologies in
apparel manufacturing today.
Hand-stitched clothing is indispensable in many situations. A qualified professional’s attention to
detail can produce a degree of quality that is precious in the fashion industry. The rise of
machine learning, on the other hand, is improving garment design by eliminating manual
intervention at key phases of production. Robotic manufacturing is supplanting antiquated
processes such as traditional sewing machines with cutting-edge technology such as laser cutting
machines, buttonhole machines, and fusing machines.

Digitization in single needle lock stitch machine, digitally controlled buttonhole machine,
digitally controlled button attaching, digitally feed zig zag machine.

The Digital Sewing Machines can actively respond to changes in sewing objects and materials.
These sewing machines can digitize “seam” modification functions, and setup parameters can be
saved as a pattern. After correction, the data can be shared to other sewing machines through
tablet or smartphone using a specific app (application programme).

The same configuration can be shared with other factories that use the same style to get the same
quality seam. This will aid industries in reducing machine setting time during line setup. The
factory’s profit is enormous since machine settings will be reduced by 50% to achieve seam
quality. The following technology and machine models have been digitalized and used in
garment industry, with more to come in the future.
Automatic 2-needle Belt-Loop Attaching Machine:
With a machine time of 1.2 seconds prior to the belt loop, higher production is guaranteed. To
enable the operator to alter the number of stitches and sewing sizes, the feed mechanism has a
computer-controlled X-Y approach.

The device efficiently disposes of each belt-loop splice after initially detecting them.
Accordingly, the belt-loop feeding mechanism can finish its belt-loop supply action and supply
the next belt-loop well before the machine begins to sew, even while the machine performs the
splice-disposal method. As a result, the operator can sew consistently and effectively without
affecting cycle time. The machine’s potentiometer locates and perfectly disposes of belt-loop
splices by detecting changes in the material thickness.

3D CAD: 
Three-dimensional (3d) software is another advancement in the subject. It functions in a virtual
environment, allowing for 3d visualization of drape and fit on a virtual model or avatar. This
technology eliminates the time-consuming procedure of generating physical samples. Some of
the new and interesting options available with cad software packages include 3d scanning,
mapping, personalized avatars based on certain anthropometric and facial attributes, and tailored
clothes. Linking design, manufacturing, and other pre-production procedures like as pattern
making, grading, and marking can provide increased productivity, competitiveness, and shorter
delivery schedules

Laser Technology:
In the clothing business, lasers have long been used for laser marking (for surface fading), laser
welding. By stimulating the emission of photons from excited atoms and molecules, the
apparatus produces a powerful beam of coherent monochromatic light. In the textile business, a
CO2 RF discharge stimulated laser source with a wavelength of roughly 10.2-10.8 m is
frequently utilized. The conventional methods of fading, abrasion, decorating, marking,
engraving, and cutting can be entirely eliminated by laser technology. Modern laser machines
have a z-axis that automatically moves up and down to etch a variety of textured and shadowy
designs with different layering.
Advantages:

1. First, it is a considerably speedier process; second, a beam of light is used to burn away
the indigo dye, creating a worn appearance.
2. It also produces less air pollution.
3. Finally, it necessitates less wear and tear.

Overhead handling system:

An overhead material handling method in which all components of a garment are strung in
hangers. The overhead rail is moved by the hanger. This type of system decreases the operator’s
material handling. Second, the single-piece flow shortened throughput times. Eton INA,
SmartMRT, and Eurotex are examples of solution suppliers.

Some advantages of overhead handling system:

1. There is no requirement to bundle clothing parts while feeding

2. Needle time increased because, in this system, operators just sew clothing; they do not
pick up panels, discard them, bundle sewn clothing, or convey (slide) the bundle to the
next operator.
3. As a result, this system increases labour (and machine) productivity and provides higher
standard of the goods

Product lifecycle management:

Software is an enterprise’s information management system. The PLM system has the ability to
integrate people, processes, business systems, and data throughout an extended organization.
PLM software enables the end-user to efficiently and economically manage this information
across a product’s entire lifecycle, from innovation, design, and manufacture, through
commercialization and disposal.

List of PLM Software for the Garment Industry:

1. Blue Cherry by CGS INC

2. Infor
3. Lectra fashion PLM
4. NGC software
5. PTC INC

You may also like: Product Life Cycle Management Software in Apparel Industry

Conclusion:
Regardless of the size of the business, the above technology can be implemented and used to
manage the business, improve performance and accuracy in specific procedures, and so on. This
list includes software systems that look at the entire garment supply chain. In practice, not
everyone needs to use all of the available technology. Even though many older clothing factories
do not have cutting-edge production technologies, they are still profitable.

References:

1. https://techpacker.com/blog/design/top-9-fashion-technology-trends/
2. https://www.onlineclothingstudy.com/2018/08/technology-solutions-for-apparel.html
3. https://www.fdm4.com/apparel-manufacturing-technology-trends-2020/
4. https://fashinza.com/textile/manufacturing/latest-technology-solutions-garment-
manufacturing-industry/
5. https://www.juki.co.jp/en/
6. https://www.iigm.in/Industries/Apparel/Sewing/Automatic-Computer-Controlled-
Machines/Br/JUKI-Japan/Pr/AP-874S
7. https://www.kansai-special.com/

Laser Technology:
In the clothing business, lasers have long been used for laser marking (for surface fading), laser
welding. By stimulating the emission of photons from excited atoms and molecules, the
apparatus produces a powerful beam of coherent monochromatic light. In the textile business, a
CO2 RF discharge stimulated laser source with a wavelength of roughly 10.2-10.8 m is
frequently utilized. The conventional methods of fading, abrasion, decorating, marking,
engraving, and cutting can be entirely eliminated by laser technology. Modern laser machines
have a z-axis that automatically moves up and down to etch a variety of textured and shadowy
designs with different layering.

Advantages:
1. First, it is a considerably speedier process; second, a beam of light is used to burn away
the indigo dye, creating a worn appearance.
2. It also produces less air pollution.
3. Finally, it necessitates less wear and tear.

Overhead handling system:

An overhead material handling method in which all components of a garment are strung in
hangers. The overhead rail is moved by the hanger. This type of system decreases the operator’s
material handling. Second, the single-piece flow shortened throughput times. Eton INA,
SmartMRT, and Eurotex are examples of solution suppliers.

Some advantages of overhead handling system:

1. There is no requirement to bundle clothing parts while feeding

2. Needle time increased because, in this system, operators just sew clothing; they do not
pick up panels, discard them, bundle sewn clothing, or convey (slide) the bundle to the
next operator.
3. As a result, this system increases labour (and machine) productivity and provides higher
standard of the goods

Product lifecycle management:

Software is an enterprise’s information management system. The PLM system has the ability to
integrate people, processes, business systems, and data throughout an extended organization.
PLM software enables the end-user to efficiently and economically manage this information
across a product’s entire lifecycle, from innovation, design, and manufacture, through
commercialization and disposal.

List of PLM Software for the Garment Industry:

1. Blue Cherry by CGS INC

2. Infor
3. Lectra fashion PLM
4. NGC software
5. PTC INC

You may also like: Product Life Cycle Management Software in Apparel Industry

Conclusion:
Regardless of the size of the business, the above technology can be implemented and used to
manage the business, improve performance and accuracy in specific procedures, and so on. This
list includes software systems that look at the entire garment supply chain. In practice, not
everyone needs to use all of the available technology. Even though many older clothing factories
do not have cutting-edge production technologies, they are still profitable.

References:
1. https://techpacker.com/blog/design/top-9-fashion-technology-trends/
2. https://www.onlineclothingstudy.com/2018/08/technology-solutions-for-apparel.html
3. https://www.fdm4.com/apparel-manufacturing-technology-trends-2020/
4. https://fashinza.com/textile/manufacturing/latest-technology-solutions-garment-
manufacturing-industry/
5. https://www.juki.co.jp/en/
6. https://www.iigm.in/Industries/Apparel/Sewing/Automatic-Computer-Controlled-
Machines/Br/JUKI-Japan/Pr/AP-874S
7. https://www.kansai-special.com/
8. With technology advancing at an unprecedented rate in recent years, the changes in the
manufacturing industry have been compared to the Industrial Revolution that impacted
the Western world in the 1800s.
9. Fashion, of course, has not been an exception; in fact, some of the most exciting
innovations have come from fashion production manufacturing, which has also changed
how the entire industry works as we know it.
10. The industry needs to evolve quickly to respond to the need of ensuring the right products
at the right price, the right time, and the right customers through improved and
sophisticated processes. This has required the persistent digitization of manufacturing
through increasingly connected devices and platforms.
11. Because of the internet, hyperconnected users and their devices have driven consumer
expectations. This has created a need for brands and entrepreneurs to be faster in
collecting user data, sales performance, customer feedback, and identifying supply chain
issues in order to improve their businesses, changing the very nature of the fashion cycle.
12. Many trends are shaping the future of manufacturing, but we've identified nine major
factors that are having the most impact right now and are generating more component
13. The garment industry is based on fashion and invariably goesthrough short fashion
cycles. To survive in the market, there have to beregular innovations in colour, style,
design, fabric, finish and fit. Automatedmachinery and IT solutions are keys in such a
scenario to be competitive andimprove business results.
14.
15. The growth of garment industry in terms of technologyadoption can be traced from pedal
operated machines in the 60s. The industrymoved on to power-operated machines and
steam presses in the mid-80s, startedassembly line manufacturing in the late 80s and then
entered the phase of usingcomputerized machines. The Industry saw a rapid change with
the introduction ofcomputerization in the garment industry.
16.
17. Automated machines for cutting, sewing, buttonholes, CAD/CAMfor pattern making, etc,
have brought down the cost of production considerably.As a result, garment companies
now focus on technology to be productive andcost-effective at the same time. In terms of
advancements in automation, presentgeneration machines have under bed trimmers,
which stitch and trim excessthread simultaneously. This means a huge saving on threads
and excess manpower,besides this, there are automated machines for stitching collars and
cuffs,finishing machines, pressing machines, etc

One of the most significant outcomes of the famed IndustrialRevolution was the
mechanization of textile manufacture. The power loom and themechanized cotton
mill resulted in a huge increase in the quantum of productionby shortening the time
required for production manifold. In the more recenttimes, there has been a
proliferation of novel materials designed, and this hasenhanced both the quality
and adaptability of fabrics. The so-called smartmaterials enable the production of
clever fabrics, with high-end technologylike atomic force microscopy and
polymeric nanofibres going into the design,manufacturing and testing of these
fabrics. Ranging from special applicationslike the design of suits for space travel,
swimsuits and suits for militarypurposes to the usage of more durable and
adaptable garments for daily use,these methods have proved to be extremely
effective. Several research centreshave sprung up to investigate these exciting
possibilities. The role ofcomputers is unarguably prominent in fashion technology.
The visualization ofthe final design right at the conceptualization stage, down to
the finestdetail, making suitable modifications if so desired, automating several
stagesin the manufacturing process and, finally, executing quality control
procedures- all of them involve computing at various levels of complexity. Be it
creatingan eye-catching design using CAD or running the computerized knitting
and weavingmachinery, automation is fast becoming the buzzword. Fashion
courses nowadaysinvariably include a major technological thrust in the curriculum
to enableprospective designers to be abreast with the latest trends.
Technology has propelled the growth of human society ininnumerable ways. From the basic
needs of food, clothing and shelter toadvanced robotics and health care, technology has rapidly
assumed the status ofan arguably indispensable and highly effective tool in the modern era.
Clothinghas always been both a necessity with regard to human civilization and a meansof
showcasing ones culture and interests. Social status, religious leanings,cultural diversity and
professional status can all be amply reflected by onesclothes. A wide array of different styles of
clothing is now possible, aided bypowerful technological tools that supplement and shape the
creative ideas offabric designers.

In accordance with Darwinian principles, man is a remarkableexample of adaptability. And a

look at the way clothes have evolved only goesto illustrate this. In addition, the progress of mans
concept of fashion hasalso transformed over the ages. Starting from merely covering ones body
withnatural fur to protect it from the vagaries of the natural elements in ancientperiods of human
existence to designing special suits and fabrics woven out ofexotic materials to meet adverse
environment requirements like space and desertsurroundings, man has always shown ingenious
capability to engineer requisitechanges in the fabrics. The concept of fashion too has seen a
marked shift withthe variety of choices available in the present times. Of course, technology isa
major driving force behind fashion trends.

One of the most significant outcomes of the famed IndustrialRevolution was the mechanization
of textile manufacture. The power loom and themechanized cotton mill resulted in a huge
increase in the quantum of productionby shortening the time required for production manifold. In
the more recenttimes, there has been a proliferation of novel materials designed, and this
hasenhanced both the quality and adaptability of fabrics. The so-called smartmaterials enable the
production of clever fabrics, with high-end technologylike atomic force microscopy and
polymeric nanofibres going into the design,manufacturing and testing of these fabrics. Ranging
from special applicationslike the design of suits for space travel, swimsuits and suits for
militarypurposes to the usage of more durable and adaptable garments for daily use,these
methods have proved to be extremely effective. Several research centreshave sprung up to
investigate these exciting possibilities. The role ofcomputers is unarguably prominent in fashion
technology. The visualization ofthe final design right at the conceptualization stage, down to the
finestdetail, making suitable modifications if so desired, automating several stagesin the
manufacturing process and, finally, executing quality control procedures- all of them involve
computing at various levels of complexity. Be it creatingan eye-catching design using CAD or
running the computerized knitting and weavingmachinery, automation is fast becoming the
buzzword. Fashion courses nowadaysinvariably include a major technological thrust in the
curriculum to enableprospective designers to be abreast with the latest trends.