3D Virtual Clothing Excitement at Texprocess Americas

The excitement around 3D pattern-making and prototyping at Techtextil North America / Texprocess Americas 2016 was amazing. Wednesday a panel of speakers discussed 3D Evolution: Using 3D in the Apparel Fit Process. Individuals from UnderArmour, VF Jeanswear, and Adrianna Papell shared benefits their companies have experienced using various 3D software solutions. Questions following the presentations proved that many attending were seriously exploring how 3D could benefit their organizations.

3D Panel Speakers:
Pat Trautman, Moderator
Shannon Moulden - Under Armour
Jami Dunbar - Under Armour
Robert Garner - VF Jeanswear
Margarita Pasakarnis - VF Jeanswear
Ashesh Amin - Adrianna Papell
Adam Smythe - Human Solutions Assyst

Under Armour, VF Jeanswear, and Adrianna Papell are each using a different software but experiencing many of the same benefits. Each has integrated the use of the software in ways that work with their infrastructure and business practices. For instance, at VF Jeanswear, US based pattern-makers are responsible for creating 3D virtual garments using Browzwear's VStitcher. Adrianna Papell's pattern-makers in China use Tukatech software at the factory. Under Armour technical design staff can use 3D to create 3D virtual garments before proceeding with physical samples.

The companies discussed the multitude of ways they are utilizing 3D pattern-making tools.

• Reviewing style options
• Reviewing fit 
• Determining placement of graphics, embroideries, etc. 
• Fitting custom garments on body scans of particular individuals.

Benefits mentioned by the panel included:

• Reviewing more designs in the same amount of time 
• Junior pattern-makers can validate the pattern corrections they are making
• New fabrics can be reviewed as virtual garments to determine which fabric works best

Multiple companies mentioned that 3D was a great learning tool for junior pattern-makers and technical designers. The 3D user can immediately see the impact of their pattern correction on the fit of the garment. Unlike a real sample they haven't wasted fabric or significant time while they experimented to find the best correction.
Using Optitex software has allowed Under Armour to rapidly prototype multiple style options before making final decisions. They are also able to review placements of graphic prints on multiple garment sizes. 

Additional interesting uses of 3D virtual prototypes included:

• Using the virtual garment in place of tech pack elements; by directing vendors to follow the 3D model for fabric, construction, and the graded pattern.
• Creating life size posters from a 3D rendering for product presentations.
• Reviewing key garments together for color and pattern such as men's dress shirts and suit jackets.

Many companies offering 3D solutions were exhibiting at Texprocess. Each has strengths or unique features. Look for more information soon on the Fireflyline blog.