Key Takeaway
- Use CLO’s virtual drape simulation and Fit Maps to review garment fit and fabric drape before cutting a physical sample.
- In Strain Map Fabric Mode, the wearable stretch limit is calculated from the fabric’s physical properties.
- Use Fit Maps and pressure views to guide design review, alongside accurate fabric data and garment testing.
A first physical prototype can reveal that a fabric pulls across the shoulders or hangs differently than a flat sketch suggests. CLO lets apparel teams review garment fit and drape on a digital avatar before cutting a sample. Its Strain Map includes a Fabric Mode that uses a wearable stretch limit calculated from the fabric’s physical properties, giving teams a material-specific view during design review.
Virtual Drape and Fit Review Steps in CLO
CLO’s avatar drape simulation and Fit Maps give teams a practical way to review fit and drape before cutting physical samples.
- Create a fabric item in CLOFAB by entering fabric information and physical properties, working with map images, and saving the fabric file.
- Draft or edit the 2D pattern alongside the 3D garment view; use Pattern Drafter to match pattern measurements to the CLO avatar size.
- Run the avatar drape simulation to review how the garment hangs and stretches before committing to a physical sample.
- Adjust 2D pattern lines, then simulate again to see how the changes affect the 3D garment.
- Open Fit Maps to review garment stretch, stress, tightness, and external pressure on the avatar as part of the design review.
Setting Up Fabrics and 2D Patterns in CLO
When building materials in CLOFAB, following the naming conventions allows map images to be imported in bulk. CLO states that fabrics from its library and fabrics created with the Fabric Kit are about 90% accurate; accuracy may vary if a fabric’s physical properties are changed arbitrarily.
Once the fabric is assigned, linked 2D pattern and 3D garment views let patternmakers see how flat pattern adjustments affect the assembled piece. Editing a 2D pattern while simulation is active stops the simulation, so run it again to review the updated garment.
Reading CLO Fit Maps and Strain Limits
CLO provides four garment Fit Maps for pre-sample design review:
- Strain Map displays garment stretch caused by external force as a percentage. It offers two modes: Global Mode applies the same scale across all fabrics, while Fabric Mode uses a wearable stretch limit automatically calculated from the fabric's physical properties that can also be adjusted manually.
- Stress Map shows stress on the garment, including force per unit area along the fabric grain direction.
- Fit Map shows garment tightness, including tight or unwearable areas.
- Pressure Map shows the external pressure the garment exerts on the avatar.
Fit Maps and pressure views visualize simulated results, so their usefulness depends on accurate fabric inputs and appropriate garment testing; they don’t guarantee physical fit or comfort. Used as part of a design review, they help teams identify areas to refine before making a sample.
How 3D Apparel Simulation Tools Compare
Teams evaluating pattern-based 3D software can compare how CLO and Browzwear VStitcher support 2D/3D pattern workflows and fabric simulation. Marvelous Designer is CLO’s sibling software, geared toward animation and gaming, while CLO is optimized for fashion.
| Software | 2D & 3D Pattern Workflow | Fabric Simulation & Stretch |
|---|---|---|
| CLO | Links 2D pattern creation and editing with 3D garment simulation; Pattern Drafter matches pattern measurements to avatar size, and CLO supports avatar size adjustment and DXF-AAMA files for production patterns | Simulates garment fit and drape using garments, avatars, patterns, and fabric properties |
| Browzwear VStitcher | Supports design in 2D drafting and 3D draping environments in one workspace, where garments can be visualized and refined in real time | Simulates how fabrics stretch, drape, and move |
| Marvelous Designer | CLO’s sibling software for entertainment workflows, including animation and gaming; its 2D pattern workflow includes pattern generation, pattern-editing tools, creating pleat patterns, segment sewing, elastic shirring, and intricate lacing | Nonlinear Simulation (available from version 3.0.0 onward) allows more accurate simulation of fabric stretch, especially for longer garments, alongside advanced simulation settings |
Based on official company sites: CLO Virtual Fashion (clo3d.com), Browzwear (browzwear.com), and Marvelous Designer (marvelousdesigner.com, support.marvelousdesigner.com).
FAQ
Which simulation mode in CLO expresses fabric stretch more realistically?
CLO’s Fitting (Accurate Fabric) mode shows a more defined garment simulation and expresses fabric stretch more realistically.
Can I use Garment Measure in CLO to check garment fit?
Garment Measure can help check garment dimensions, while Fit Maps show simulated tightness and stretch. Used together, they give patternmakers complementary information for reviewing a garment’s fit.