TMD 402I - Innovation in the Textile and Apparel Complex
Notes on Innovation
TMD Faculty: Dr. Martin Bide, Dr. Abby Lillethun, Dr. Linda Welters, Dr. Susan Hannel
Summary by Lisa Ellington
In analyzing innovation in the textile and apparel industries, one must explore developments in the areas of fibers, fabrics, and finishing; fashion theories; retailing; and apparel design. The first of these has provided much innovation in recent years, as there are seemingly endless improvements to be made in the production and treatment of fibers and fabrics. Advancements in fibers include the development of genetically engineered cotton plants, synthetic fibers made from renewable resources, and fibers with advanced properties, as in so-called “smart fibers.” New fabric ideas include textiles containing wiring to perform electronic duties, and the steady increase of nonwovens used for reusable, not just disposable, items. In fabric treatments, new preparation, dyeing, and printing methods all reflect the need for speedier, less costly, and more environmentally friendly processes, while also seeking to better the end performance of the textile.
Fashion theories are another important issue to observe when examining innovation. We develop fashion theories to explain how and why humans make the choices they do in the process of change. In the last eight years, two major changes have occurred in this community, the first being the definition of fashion itself. Previously, it had been defined as only existing in capitalist societies with a mobile social structure and a developed level of industry and technology. It has recently been determined that the term fashion also applies to traditional cultures that do not necessarily possess said characteristics. Secondly, theorists have concluded that the human body, not just apparel, is a subject of focus for reflexive cultures.
The area of apparel design has much room for innovation, not only in improving functionality and comfort, but also in thinking about the human body in new and different ways and constructing garments accordingly. Most recent innovations have been in fabrics, driven by the demand for more utility in sportswear. As for the latter issue, so little innovation has occurred because, arguably, average people do not like to take fashion risks, and it takes time and money for a new style to catch on and become profitable for designers and manufacturers.
Innovation is a necessary element to any field, and in today’s apparel industry, reasons are aplenty. For one thing, American society views fashion as entertainment more than as a process, and celebrities are overexposed as our “fashion leaders.” Designers and manufacturers are too afraid to take risks, thus ideas are recycled continuously and creativity is at a virtual standstill. In addition, the continuous production of new merchandise is filling our stores with mass amounts of similar, inexpensive, and unnecessary items, as consumer demand for cheap, comfortable clothes is constant and ever increasing. Social acceptance is key in a field as broad and overreaching as the textile and apparel industry, and innovation can only come if society is ready and willing to accept the changes.