Clothing sales made the biggest breakthrough last year, with apparel and accessories displacing computer hardware and software as the top non-travel category in online retail.

FORBES: Web Shoppers Tapping The Brakes

Even larger leaps in sizing technology are being made by companies like Acustom Apparel, which uses 3D body scanners along with pattern-making software to scale the creation of custom-fitted clothing at a digestible price point.

FORBES: Five Trends Driving Traditional Retail Towards Extinction

Throughout the apparel industry, manufacturers and distributors are starting to use supply-chain systems and enterprise software that were first adopted in industries with higher asset values and investment costs.

WSJ: Sewing Machines Go High-Tech