Implementation of Digitalized Technologies for Fashion Industry 4.0: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations prioritize sustainability by 2030. The fashion industry is one most substantial manufacturing industries that generate an economy of 3 trillion dollars and contributes to 2% of the world’s gross domestic product. In addition to this, the fashion industry must focus on social and environmental concerns, where it should create fashionable products to promote sustainable consumption and production. Sustainable consumption and production can be achieved with the establishment of resilient infrastructure with innovation. The resilient infrastructure with innovation is realized by the integration of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). With this motivation, this study explored the different studies that implemented these technologies in the fashion industry for smart cloth (health), supply chain, circular economy, dress recommendation system, fashion trend forecasting, health prediction, and virtual and augmented based shopping experience. Along with the progress of these technologies in the fashion industry, the study also discussed limitations and provided recommendations such as wide adoption of blockchain in fashion supply chain; advancement in energy storage for smart cloth; integration of IoT, AI, and edge computing; and smart clothing-based framework for rescue operation for future enhancement.