The rise of online custom clothing stores

Mass customization breaks new ground of tremendous importance for the fashion industry. The role of a customer is changing. Custom clothing stores place a customer in charge. From luxury brands including Louis Vuitton and Prada down to small business companies, everyone is embracing the latest trend.

There are various modes of self-expression: the manner of speaking and/or writing, the music we listen to, the opinions we hold, hobbies we like and finally, the clothes we wear. Mass customization enables us to express ourselves the way we want. No more limitations, at least as far as fashion is concerned.

Why is customization increasing in popularity?

The Levi Strauss & Co. personalization program was launched as early as 1995 but abandoned in 2004. What today’s custom clothing stores differentiate from the unsuccessful venture of Levi Strauss & Co? The answer is simple: advances in technology. The unbridgeable distance between the physical store and some customers made the program fail, while with the help of the Internet, the distance is the least of problems if there are any at all. Softwares needed for online custom clothing stores become cheaper, better, and more user-friendly enabling customers all around the world to design clothing.

There is more to it. Customers are a part of a design. They are not conventional buyers, they are designers. As UchéOkonkwo says in the book Luxury Fashion Branding: Trends, Tactics, Techniques “It [customization] provides them [customers] with the empowerment to apply their imagination and desire to be in control of their choices.” The theory closely connected to the self-expression we mentioned.

In the midst of the problems of sizing unreliability, customization gives a shot in the arm for the expression of individuality. The perfect fit we all deserve is not an ideal anymore. It is reality.

Customers are not the only ones who benefit from customization. Online custom clothing stores reap rewards related to brand loyalty and a better understanding of customers’ desires and expectations. Having the possibility to be a part of the process of designing facilitates the relationships between a company and a customer. Additionally, by having palpable proof of what customers like, stores can better understand what customers want paving the way for an even better shopping experience.

eShakti

Custom women clothing by eshakti.com

eShakti is one of the most popular online custom clothing stores for women. “eShakti believes that all women have the right to wear affordable fashion that is made for them and makes them look their absolute best.” In this quote by eShakti lies the trick: customers get unique clothes at affordable prices. Easy to follow instructions on taking measurements, choosing the length, neckline, sleeve type, or waistband makes this online store one of our favorites.

iTailor

Custom designed suits by itailor.com

Another favorite of ours, at least when it comes to menswear is certainly iTailor. Having custom-tailored suits have never been easier. Affordable prices, worldwide shipping, and easy payment options leave us to want more. The 3D designer in which we can choose the fabric, the color (solid color or color contrast), the style (anything from buttons to cuffs) will awake a designer in everyone. Apart from tailored suits, iTailor offers custom-made jeans, shoes, overcoats, vests, and shirts.

Shoes of Prey

Custom-designed shoes by shoesofprey.com

We all know that shoes are a girl’s best friend. Any girl who visits this online store will immediately fall in love with it. Not only does this store offer the gallery of ready-made shoes, but it also has a style advice part that puts every criticism of customization to rest. The so-called paradox of choice is the fear of luxury brands that some products customers design may not be in good taste. With Shoes of Prey, there is no place for criticism of this kind. The first step in the design studio is the style of shoes followed by the material, the heel height, and extra accessories.

Taking everything into consideration, we can safely say that online custom clothing stores are the future of the fashion industry.