What is fashion forecasting?

Fashion forecasting jobs predict trends in apparel, hair, makeup, and accessories people may wear or use in future seasons. This job often involves collecting data to conduct a comprehensive, comparative analysis and accurately predict what consumers are most likely to be interested in. For example, if summer temperatures are predicted to be above average, fashion forecasters may steer companies towards lighter fabrics and patterns so that consumers can remain cool and comfortable in the heat. Fashion needs vary by area and demographics, so fashion forecasters often adjust their predictions for different groups and help decide the most efficient ways to allocate resources.