Defining digital fashion: Reshaping the field via a systematic review

Abstract

The field of digital fashion is rapidly evolving, yet what constitutes digital fashion, and how it should be defined has not been firmly established. This study aims to conceptualize and define digital fashion and its components (themes). Applying an inductive approach, we initially identified 10 keywords linked to digital fashion via a Twitter analysis. Then, a systematic literature review was conducted (n = 116 articles). Six themes related to digital fashion were identified: design, consumer, virtual, body, printing, and supply. Themes include topics relating to the advancement of digital technologies in the fashion design process, innovation to enhance consumer experiences, and improvements to the value chain. Inspired by the six themes, we define digital fashion as “the virtual creation, production, and representation of one's identity via computer-generated design.” An overview of each theme and its contribution to the field of digital fashion is discussed. Future research developments to extend this domain are considered.