Virtual Samples vs Fit Samples

This post is for those who wonder if 3D pattern-making systems can honestly assist with improving fit or reducing the number of fit samples. Yes, 3D can help with fit and reduce fit samples. What 3D cannot do is eliminate fit samples. Why, well the 3D avatar can't talk; at least not yet. The avatars can spin around and move but they can't tell you "my keys are going to fall out of this pocket" or "the armhole is too restricting, I can't drive a car in this blazer". Also, the movements are rather mundane. They can't get on a bicycle and tell you if the rise on a pair of bike shorts feels right for cycling.

You can review things in 3D that you can't in a live model fitting. First, you can review the fit in steps as you would a muslin or during the draping process. Here's a photo of a polo shirt. I've told the system to ignore the sleeve and collar. Now I can see the armhole and neckline shape and verify before the sleeve and collar are attached.

Sleeve and collar not included in simulation

Second, you can identify some fit problems. Better yet, you can change the model size and shape to verify the fit problem is the same on a variety of body shapes. The only way to do that in a live fitting is to ask the model to wear padding. You certainly can't ask a live model to reduce one part of the body or make it perkier.

Back rise needs a pattern correction

Same pattern but model has a fuller, higher seat. Verifies, yes make the correction.

There are also some fit tools incorporated into the system. One allows you to identify the tightest areas of the garment. For instance you can see if the tension is equal at the waist and hip. Viewing the garment in a mesh format allows you to see the ease over body. You can verify if there is enough or too much ease over body.
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Hip is tightest, but there is also enough waist tension

Mesh view allows us to see how much blousing there is in this dress

If you have questions on what else 3D can and cannot do, please share. I'd love to answer them for you and I'm always looking for topics for future posts.