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When one mentions the word technology, people immediately think of AI, Smartphones and Self-Driving Cars. However, some of the biggest technological revolutions are occurring in the oldest of industries – those with deep historical roots. Textile and Garment Manufacturing is one such industry currently undergoing a huge digital revolution. In this post, we explore how Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Robot Automation and Advanced Material Science are, for the first time in history, combining to bridge the huge gulf between traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to transform the global textile industry for good.
The area of engineered fabrics is another important sector of modern textile manufacturing. By designing and producing fabrics at the molecular level, it is possible to create ‘smart’ fabrics that can open and close air vents, change color, increase insulation in cold weather and repel spills and stains in other environments. The trend in formal wear is towards lighter, more comfortable garments and some of the modern materials can offer the same structure as more traditional fabrics while at the same time providing excellent comfort to the wearer. Modern microfiber and high-performance synthetic fiber production has resulted in materials of incredible strength and durability yet are lightweight and flexible enough to be worn next to the skin.
When creating clothes, a huge part of the work is done when designing patterns and garments. By using high-end CAD software for Computer-Aided Design and 3D modeling for creating virtual prototypes of garments before they are actually cut from fabric, the work of designers is greatly simplified. Special algorithms can now be used for optimizing fabric usage, which greatly contributes to making the textile manufacturing process more sustainable. Because of digitization of the designing process, the labor-intensive work of intricate hand-embroidery, which used to take hundreds of hours of manual labor, can now be perfectly replicated by a computer-controlled machine for embroidery in vector format.
The bridge between the past and present in Garment Making using advanced technologies can be clearly seen when making garments that are highly specialized for occasions such as weddings or very formal occasions that need to be worn for long periods of time. Some of the oldest garments are for religious occasions. The holy garments of the Chasuble that has been made for centuries using the same Historical Patterns, Seasonal Colors and Embroidered Symbols, can now be made using the latest advanced Digital Looms, Color Meters such as Spectrophotometers, and cutting machines with Laser Guidance. Not only do these machines allow for the production of garments made from the finest materials that will last for decades to come, but the colors will remain colorfast and the material will not fray or lose its shape over time. For examples of Historical Seasonal Garments made using the latest in Textile Manufacturing Technology, take a look at https://chasubles.com/collections/green-chasubles.
For the time being, advanced algorithms for predicting demand allow for even better control of automated production facilities, that can work around the clock to make clothing of all kinds. Demand for a variety of colors of traditional clothing for different seasons can be predicted in advance. Historical models of clothing can be predicted in advance as well. Furthermore, with the use of AR technology to allow for visualizing of garments before they are purchased online, bespoke tailored clothing can be bought online.
However, the continued push towards technology does not have to mean that there is a loss of history. The textile industry has a vast history of styles and of garment making. The combination of cutting-edge technology and historical garment making will enable styles of the past to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
