How artificial intelligence is weaving its way into the world of fashion and textiles

Bolton has been at the centre of innovation in the textile industry for centuries, dating back to the industrial revolution when Boltonian Samuel Crompton invented the spinning mule for the cotton industry in 1779.

Since then, the world of Fashion and Textiles has dramatically changed, and technology has played an enormous part in this. Online shopping has had to become a focus for many retailers to keep up with the demand from shoppers; in 2018, approximately 1.8 billion people placed an order online.

ASOS is one of the largest online fashion retailers in the world, supplying 850 brands to all 196 countries. Recently, they launched a new tool on their site which involves artificial intelligence (AI) technology and creates another change in the online market.

Using this tool, shoppers can determine how a garment will look and help them to make more informed decisions. ‘Fit Assistance’, as it has been named, will ask users a series of questions including height, weight, age, hip and waist appearances, measurements, preferred fit and their size in popular brands.

All this information is compiled into the AI programme and displays an image of how the item will look on a buyer. The customer also receives information about how many returns the item has received from people who have similar measurements, not only maximising sales but helping to prevent returns too.

This method of shopping changes the landscape of fashion yet again. Previously, the advantage of shopping in-store, was that you could see how an item would fit, but now with Fit Assistance, ASOS is removing yet another need to go into the high street.

With many high street retailers already closing their doors and online sales booming in comparison, have ASOS just raised the bar beyond reach?

Students at the University of Bolton are taught to be prepared for this ever-changing landscape with industry briefs and live projects as well as the latest trend reports, so when they graduate, they are in the best position to succeed.

If you’re interested in discovering the fast-paced environment of Fashion and Textiles, you can apply to one of our courses here.