Transforming Fashion: Embracing Made-to-Order Models for Sustainability

The fashion industry, once synonymous with creativity and expression, now grapples with its own demons: overproduction, environmental degradation, and ethical concerns. As awareness of the harsh realities of fast fashion spreads worldwide, an increasing number of voices are advocating for change. In this evolving landscape, the emergence of made-toorder business models offers a ray of hope—a chance to fundamentally transform the fashion industry.

The Dark Side of Fashion

Fashion’s current trajectory is not just concerning—it’s downright alarming. The relentless production of clothing by fast fashion large corporations, not only overwhelms landfills but also poses a significant threat to our oceans, our communities, and our collective conscience. The sheer volume of garments produced by fast fashion giants has reached staggering proportions, overflowing landfills with an abundance of discarded clothes. This waste isn’t confined to developed nations; it seeps into the very fabric of communities across the globe, from bustling urban centres to remote villages. Sadly, western countries ship off their unwanted and disposed garments to developing countries such as Chile (which can be seen from space) and Africa, despite the fact that these nations do not want our clothes. In places like Chile and Africa, landfill sites groan under the weight of this unwanted apparel, serving as grim reminders of fashion’s dark underbelly.

But the environmental toll doesn’t end there.

Synthetic fabrics, common in fast fashion’s inexpensive offerings, release microplastics into our waterways with each wash, contaminating marine ecosystems and endangering aquatic life. These tiny particles, invisible to the naked eye but devastating in their impact, permeate every corner of the ocean, from the depths of the sea to the shores of distant islands, as well as in our very own drinking water.

Yet, perhaps even more harmful than the environmental devastation is the human cost of fashion’s unchecked greed. The historical context of fashion’s migration to developing nations tells a tale of exploitation and disregard for human life. From the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 in the USA to the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, tragic events have laid bare the human toll of fashion’s relentless pursuit of profit. Despite modest improvements in safety standards, the underlying issues of exploitation and inequality persist, casting a shadow over the industry’s conscience.

In the face of this mounting crisis, the fashion industry stands at a crossroads. Will it continue down the path of exploitation and environmental destruction, or will it act on the call for change? The choice is clear, and the time to act is now. For the sake of our planet, our communities, and our shared humanity, fashion must undergo a radical transformation—one that prioritizes sustainability, ethics, and compassion above all else.

 

The Rise of Made-to-Order

Amidst this backdrop of turmoil, a quiet revolution appears to be underway. The made-toorder fashion business model is by no means a new concept, but in our current climate is seemingly making a come-back, offering a fresh start and hopeful vision for the future of fashion. Once confined to the realms of haute couture, made-to-order fashion is gaining traction as a viable alternative to fast fashion’s destructive practices. By producing garments only upon customer request, these brands are challenging the status quo and redefining fashion’s relationship with time, quality, and consumer demand.

Benefits of Made-to-Order

Less Waste
The advantages of made-to-order fashion extend far beyond environmental sustainability. Made-to-order fashion brands create minimal waste and with that are able to prevent overproduction and overconsumption. Naturally, there’s a longer waiting period between ordering and receiving a garment. This serves as a reminder that patience is rewarded and fosters an understanding of the dedication and time invested in crafting clothing. Thus, this approach not only decelerates the pace of production but also moderates our overall expectations of fashion.

Size Inclusivity

Made-to-order fashion business models offer a solution to make fashion more inclusive for individuals who have been historically overlooked and underrepresented in the fashion industry, such as plus-sized individuals or people who have a disability, who have long been overlooked by the fashion industry. By tailoring garments to the customer’s specific preferences, made-to-order clothing offers an abundance of style options for all consumers, empowering them to select clothing that suits their unique body shapes and sizes.

Creating an Emotional Connection to Our Clothes

Perhaps most importantly, made-to-order fashion nurtures a deeper connection between consumers and their clothing. Each garment is instilled with a sense of purpose and intentionality, serving as a testament to the craftsmanship and care that went into its creation. Establishing an emotional connection with our clothing helps us to move away from the throw-away attitude we have adopted in fashion the past few decades and is a much needed direction we need to focus on if we want to make a real change.

Challenges and Opportunities

A few hurdles in made-to-order business models may arise for fashion brands. Firstly, production times tend to stretch longer compared to ready-to-wear items, resulting in extended lead times. This delay can test the patience of customers accustomed to instant gratification. 

Moreover, traditional fashion brands are adept at managing inventory based on forecasts and trends. However, predicting demand becomes a trickier task with made-to-order, potentially leading to frustrating stock outs.

Setting up a made-to-order system demands investments in technology, skilled labour, and infrastructure. Initial setup costs can mount, and profit margins might thin out compared to mass-produced items.

Dealing with consumer expectations adds another layer of complexity. Customization options, pricing variations, and delivery timelines need careful management. Balancing these diverse demands while ensuring profitability is indeed a tightrope walk.

Yet, within these challenges several opportunities emerge. Made-to-order fashion inherently champions sustainability, aligning perfectly with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives. By producing items only upon order, excess inventory and unsold products typical to ready-to-wear fashion are significantly reduced.

Made-to-order production can also offer benefits in terms of cashflow, ensuring sales are made before going ahead with production, thus avoiding the lag between spending and payment. This makes the model more manageable for launching and sustaining a business, eliminating the necessity for external investment.

Moreover, this model offers a wealth of data, enabling a deeper understanding of individual consumer preferences and needs, thus improving inventory planning. Another tool to ease adaptation to demand fluctuations and simultaneously mitigate the risk of product delivery delays involves virtual prototyping, such as CLO-3D and other technologies enabling the automation and digitization of garment design and production processes.

Embracing a made-to-order model can set your brand apart in a saturated market. It signals innovation and customer-centricity, drawing in consumers who prioritize transparency, sustainability, and uniqueness.

Conclusions

As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and ethics in their purchasing decisions, the fashion industry finds itself at a crossroads. The rise of made-to-order models offers a compelling vision for a more sustainable and equitable future—one where fashion is not just a commodity, but a form of self-expression and creativity. By embracing these models, fashion brands can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also foster deeper connections with consumers and drive positive change in the industry.

The path forward may be challenging, but the potential rewards are boundless—a future where fashion is not just beautiful, but truly sustainable. If you have any inquiries or wish to explore made-to-order production further, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. We can discuss your needs and determine if our services align with your requirements.

Inge Duiker