Hello, everyone. Welcome to wearware, your go-to site for shaping the future of the fashion and apparel industry.
Today, let's dive into the game-changing world of "virtual samples," which is key to making our industry more sustainable by cutting down on sampling time and costs.
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Virtual in Everyday Life
You're probably familiar with the term "virtual," meaning something that is simulated or not physically present.
Since the mid-90s, the internet has evolved dramatically alongside the devices we use to access it, becoming a vital part of our lives. Today, the virtual world extends beyond 2D and 3D to include VR and AR, blurring the lines between digital and physical realities.
Recently, these virtual technologies have not only facilitated individual interactions through avatars and gaming but have also expanded into events, travel, business demos, and even healthcare.
In the fashion and apparel industry, this includes virtual stores and fashion shows, where various creative contents and technologies merge to create new values and experiences.
This time, let's focus on how "virtual samples" are making a big splash in product planning in our industry.
Virtual Samples Are the Real Deal
Take a look at this image.
This isn’t a photo of a real knit product. It’s a simulated image created entirely on a computer—from yarn to finished product. If someone told you this was a photograph, could you tell it wasn't real?
Using cutting-edge fashion design software, such incredibly realistic images can be produced quite easily. Although virtual samples vary in quality, visually, they can replace physical samples, as you can see.
What Are the Benefits of Virtual Samples?
Virtual samples, also known as digital samples or prototypes, offer numerous advantages that could solve long-standing issues in the fashion industry. Here are the top eight benefits:
Eight Benefits
1. Time Savings
Tired of the traditional process of repeatedly creating physical samples based on complex specifications? Virtual samples can reduce the lead time, which traditionally takes about a year, for creating garments.2. Cost Reduction
Costs associated with materials like fabrics, yarns, accessories, as well as manufacturing and transportation can all be reduced.3. Improved Communication
Whether it’s dealing with distant suppliers or factories, virtual samples can break down barriers of language and hierarchy.4. Enhanced Presentation
Present designs quickly, accurately and in many variations, exactly as intended by the designers.5. Sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions from transportation and incineration of samples
In an era where environmental concerns are paramount, companies taking eco-friendly measures are gaining recognition.
The term "sustainable" has become increasingly common in our everyday lives. Numerous initiatives in various industries are underway for achieving a sustainable society, and the fashion industry is no exception.
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6. Consistency from Planning to Sales
Virtual samples can be used in retail displays and promotions, maintaining a consistent image throughout the product lifecycle.
7. Streamlining Online Sales
In the age of e-commerce, virtual samples significantly reduce the burden on online operations.
8. Demand Forecasting
A prescription for reducing overstock and waste, virtual samples can be used to accurately predict consumer demand in a timely manner for producing only what is needed.
As you can see, virtual samples can streamline operations across various stages of product planning to sales, simultaneously creating better products, enhancing dedication to craftsmanship, and making work more enjoyable by saving time, cost, and mental energy.
Now Is the Time to Start Virtual Sampling!
Fashion and apparel have been among the last industries to adopt IT and virtualization, but the use of virtual samples has accelerated during COVID due to the urgent need to connect remotely. Once in use it has caught on for its aforementioned benefits.
Although adopting virtual sampling might at first seem inefficient or stifling to inspiration, the overwhelming benefits, and the boost they give to creativity, are undeniable.
wearware is here to help address any concerns you might have.
Interested in virtual sampling?
Check out our other articles to deepen your understanding of virtual samples.
wearware supports the digitalization of fashion design.
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