The Use of Lasers in the Fashion Industry

Here at TYKMA Electrox, we have a wide variety of laser marking systems to offer our customers. Many different types of companies choose our laser marking products because of the precision and customization they can provide, and this is no exception for the fashion industry. The fashion industry is a sector of manufacturing whose products can be literally tailored to a person’s size, style preferences and more. One way to perform such tailoring is with the use of lasers.

Lasers in the fashion industry are being used by designers to provide their clientele with clothes and accessories that are trendy and aesthetically pleasing. And as long as fashion continues to be a priority for people in many parts of the world, this is a technique that will not be going away anytime soon.

Some key advantages to using a laser marking machine over other mechanical equipment or producing pieces by hand may include:

Reduced time, increased production – These machines provide a quicker turnaround time for multiple pieces, which gives designers the ability to keep up with mass production demands

Accurate, consistent pieces – The use of various software systems in these machines allow for accuracy in each piece as well as more consistency (versus marking by hand where slight differences are to be expected)

From high-end luxury pieces to personalized jewelry, there are many places for lasers within the fashion world. Below, we’ve compiled a list of diverse applications for laser marking systems that can help craft some stylish products.

1. Engraved Sneakers, Boots and Other Shoes

A staple of both high-fashion and everyday apparel is shoes. From heels to sandals, consumers can buy a variety of shoes at a variety of price points. One way that designers can differentiate their shoes and make them stand out as more of a novelty than the shoes of competitors is by laser engraving them.

Companies such as Converse have used lasers in the fashion industry to make shoes that are exclusive to their brand. Other companies like Engraved Forces have begun to make personalized shoes based on the requests of customers, who can upload their own artwork to the website for engraving.

2. Leather-Engraved Handbags

There are many types of handbags out there that are both practical and fashionable. One trend that is continually popular is making handbags from leather (or pleather) materials. Because of these materials’ durability, flexibility, and numerous color choices, laser engraving these handbags has been a recent trend in the industry.

Whether you’re looking to engrave your initials or name like at Mark & Graham or would like a unique pattern engraved onto your handbag, this procedure can be performed on many different types of bags, such as:

Purses
Clutches
Backpacks
Suitcases
Totes
Satchels

As you can see, the possibilities for using laser systems in the fashion industry are endless!

3. Laser Engraving on Velvet Pieces

Another popular material within the fashion industry is velvet. Because of its versatility, velvet is a fabric that can be used on everything from everyday wear to luxury interior curtains. Creatively speaking, there are many different routes that designers can take when using velvet because of its softness, color possibilities, and more.

Some examples of innovative uses of laser engraving for personalization on velvet include dog collars from Mimi Green and gloves from Empress Glovery.

4. Denim Pieces with Laser Engravings

Denim is a classic fashion material that is most commonly used for jeans and jackets. Because of its abundance in the fashion industry, companies have great potential for integrating laser marking techniques into their denim pieces to make them truly unique.

These techniques can add fashionable elements to denim clothing, such as:

An assortment of patterns
A vintage, distressed look
Words or letters
Artistic drawings or logos

Companies such as Two Fish Apparel and Denimcratic can perform custom laser marking on denim, per the request of customers.

5. Texturized Fur with Laser Markings

Fur and faux fur are materials that have been used in the fashion industry for years, being utilized in pieces such as jackets and vests. And brands have implemented a variety of approaches to make their fur stand out, such as by designing their fur clothing into different fits (e.g., overcoat, pea coat) and colors. Another option for standing out as a brand is to introduce laser marking into the mix.

Laser marking fur is a process that will adjust the hair length of the fur in a designer’s desired patterns. As a result, laser-etched fur pieces can allow for a variety of textures and 3D effects on each jacket, coat or vest.

Companies like We Love Fur have used these methods for their designs marketing to a luxury, high-end audience. As a result, laser-marked fur pieces have been seen on runways, at various Fashion Week events, and more.

Jewelry with Laser-Marked Personalization

In addition to the various clothing materials mentioned in this post, another part of fashion that uses laser marking techniques is jewelry.

Jewelry can be laser engraved with initials, dates, photos and more – these days, as long as a customer has a design in mind, it can be brought to life, thanks to the advanced technology of modern laser marking machines.

Companies such as Eve’s Addiction and Things Remembered have made collections of pieces that can be bought as gifts or for yourself. These products have included:

Necklaces
Bracelets
Dog tags
Rings
Earrings
Watches

The Impact Laser Marking Systems Have Left on the Fashion Industry

As designers continue to follow the industry’s trends, it’s apparent by the wide span of examples above that laser marking systems have made their mark on the world of fashion. From high-end pieces to everyday bargains, lasers can be used to add a unique touch to just about any type of apparel.

Another component that laser marking systems can bring to the table within the fashion industry is sustainability. By using a smart laser system with a computer that will store your design and mass produce the piece instead of having it be drawn individually, there is the potential for less material use compared to working with stencils and knives.

The Process for Using Laser Marking Systems in the Fashion Industry

Adopting the use of lasers in the fashion industry allows for the creation of unique designs that don’t fade with time. Make a statement or simply craft personalization opportunities on your desired material using the following process:

Choose a material to be marked that is suitable for laser marking
Ensure that your material is clean and free from debris
Create a unique design that will be marked on your material
Calibrate your laser marking equipment to ensure the correct focus, intensity, and positioning of the beam
Secure the material in the marking area to maintain the accuracy of the design
Program parameters based on the material type, thickness, and desired effect
Decide if you want to conduct a test run on scrap materials to ensure that the chosen parameters create the intended result
Begin the laser marking process
Inspect the marked material for quality and accuracy in the details
Package everything and get ready to send out your uniquely designed fashion item

FAQs About Lasers in the Fashion Industry

Are there any limitations to laser marking in the fashion industry?

Laser marking is a highly versatile technique for creating designs throughout the fashion industry. However, there are limitations for certain materials and the colors created may be limited depending on the material you are working with.

Materials to avoid include PVC, vinyl, reflective fabrics, highly stretchable fabrics, and heat-sensitive/flammable fabrics. If you want to try laser marking on any of these materials, we suggest testing parameters on scrap fabric and finding the possibilities.

What materials can be laser marked in the fashion industry?

Laser marking can be applied to a wide range of materials, including denim, cotton, polyester, suede, and other synthetic fabrics. It can also be used for accessories like buttons, zippers, and other metals. Be sure to pick a machine that is going to work with the type of fabric or material you choose. Then, create a design and get to work!

What types of designs can be created when using lasers in the fashion industry?

You can craft a wide range of designs using laser marking systems, including logos, patterns, textures, text, and serialization. These details can create a more unique and luxurious design that will last throughout the lifetime of your apparel.

Can I use laser marking on delicate fabrics without causing damage?

Yes, you can use laser marking systems to create designs on most fabrics, including delicate ones. Just be sure to fine-tune the parameters like power and speed to mark the material without compromising its integrity. Conducting testing on samples first is a great way to understand the parameters required, preventing damage.

You will also need to make sure you are using a laser marking system ideal for the materials you will be marking, as different laser types have different applications, and some can be too powerful. Contact our team for assistance in finding the perfect system.

Interested in Learning More About Our Laser Marking Systems? Reach Out to Us Today!

If you’re a designer looking for a laser marking machine for your brand, be sure to contact us today. Our team will guide you in the right direction toward the laser marking system that’s right for you.