The Influence of Mass Customization and Maker Movement in the Textile and Apparel Industry

This mini review aimed at analyzing how mass customization and the Maker movement are modifying the production and consumption of textile and clothing goods. This paper focus on the consumer role in the production and consumption. Both mass customization and Maker movement propose a new role for the consumers, in which they actively participate in the construction, modification and manufacturing of different products supported by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools. In this sense, one sector that benefits most from this environment is the Textile and Apparel industry. It was noticed that Internet of Things, robotics, 3D printing, microprocessors and programming language learning are decisive elements in the diffusion of the Maker movement and mass customization within this industry. Consequently, the production systems and business models are becoming more intelligent and autonomous. One example of this model is the Smart Factory, a virtual integrative environment that allows the remote controlling and monitoring of all activities through virtual copies and the intensive use of ubiquitous technologies. The mini-factories, also considered a new production paradigm, are based on ondemand production. These consumers’ movements and new paradigms will follow the rapid technological changings that will spread not only to production and industrial systems, but also to teaching and learning processes, social and cultural aspects.