By Emma Sleiman | Contributing Writer
The fashion business is in the midst of a technological revolution, and it’s not entirely about step-tracking smartwatches; it also refers to printing clothes from one’s own home. That’s right, 3D-printed clothing is the latest and best trend in the fashion world. When you can print your entire wardrobe from the convenience of your own home, why go to the mall?
The idea behind 3D printing clothing at home is to use 3D printing technology to manufacture personalized clothing that is simple to print and put together at home, akin to a A DIY project for clothes. Long gone are the days of settling for uncomfortable clothing or spending hours perusing the shelves in search of the ideal outfit. It is entirely possible to create and print one’s own clothing with 3D printing.
Although the idea of printing garments sounds like something from a science fiction film, the method is in fact fairly straightforward. A design program, some filament, and a 3D printer are all one requires. Once the design is created, all one needs to do is print it out and put the puzzle pieces together. Voila! A unique, custom-made outfit that is fitted to one’s body and preferences is ready.
3D printing clothing at home is both innovative and environmentally friendly. It is entirely possible to cut trash and much of one’s carbon footprint by printing one’s own clothing at home. Fast fashion, which is known for its excessive usage of water, hazardous colors, and cheap to free labor, also has a severe influence on the environment. Thus, in addition to getting a killer outfit, one can also feel good about their light impact on the environment.
One of the main concerns that can arise in response to new technology is about the price. Although 3D printers can be quite expensive, producing one’s own clothes has a modest upfront cost. Without paying a premium for expensive brands, one can make personalized garments with perfect fit. And if one can print something better, why do you need those expensive labels in the first place? Besides, large clothing companies are joining in the fun and experimenting with cutting-edge technology to develop unique designs that can be printed at home.
Adidas, for instance, has introduced a line of 3D-printed shoes that can be altered to fit the feet of each wearer. The use of intelligent fabrics that can be woven into complex patterns and designs is being explored by other businesses. 3D printing garments can thus be called a movement rather than merely a trend.