Digitalization has advanced conventional textile and clothing supply chain (CSC) concepts, models, and practices by harnessing many emerging technologies and digital infrastructures. We discuss the impact of digitalization across the whole of the textile and clothing value chain. First, we provide an overview of the main factors driving digitalization in this sector. These include the growth of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences, the desire for increased speed to market from design concept to consumer, and the increasing imperative for more sustainable production and consumption. The impact of digitalization on CSCs is then discussed with regard to design and sampling development, sourcing, manufacturing and distribution, retail, returns, and reuse processes. Notable examples and insights are provided on different digital technologies that have the potential to transform the industry The potential for the adoption of circular economy principles enabled by digitalization, including innovative resale and sharing models, is also discussed. Finally, we outline a number of inhibitors and barriers that affect the pace of adoption of digital technologies in textile and CSCs. We highlight lack of access to available technology, economic viability, strategic development challenges, and lack of digital expertise, which currently constrain the growth of digitalization in the sector.
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