3D Modeling for Fashion Industry: Use Cases and Benefits

Artists, fashion designers, designers – all these creative personalities used to be engaged in creations on paper. That is, they drew a sketch of the future product, including in color, and only then proceeded to implement it. This approach had a number of disadvantages. For example, it was impossible to predict how this or that material would fall, and in general, a two-dimensional drawing would never give a clear idea of ​​the future design. 

3D modeling allows you to perform all manipulations in a special software environment, considering all the features of both the material and the figure, entourage, interior, etc. It is much easier to realize products with photorealistic rendering. In addition, the client can make changes to their own taste, and this will not entail any costs. Today we will explore 3D modeling fashion and how it is used by designers and companies to achieve their goals. 

A New Way of Designing Clothes

Designers are using 3D fashion models to create cutting-edge designs. To create a sample of clothes, the following components are required:

• A 3D model is called an avatar. The designer can set all the parameters of the figure (height, waist, chest circumference). For example, when designing clothes for athletes, avatars with preset parameters that are typical for this sport are used.
• Sewing patterns). Ready patterns can be imported into software systems or created from scratch directly in the program. In order to correctly decompose the components of the product, experience in the design and creation of real products is necessary.
• Fabric parameters, accessories, prints.

Based on the components, the designer creates a product and simulates the behavior of the 3D model fashion avatar (walking along the catwalk, running, dancing) in order to evaluate how the clothes will behave in real life. An important component is unloading patterns for subsequent transfer to production.

Now imaging technologies make it possible to simulate the behavior of the vast majority of fabrics and textiles on a fashion 3D model. Without using fabrics for the first sample, it is possible to see where there are potential tears in the case of arm swings and body movement. You can also see all the sagging of the fabric and other points that you will see only after sewing the first sample. 

Ensuring a Better Fit for the Customers

Another benefit of using a 3D fashion model is ensuring just the right for each of the customers when they try on the clothes. In the traditional approach, brand catalogs use photos of products on models. Technically, there is no way to take into account the features of the figure of each person, so we mainly see photos of models in size S or M. With 3D model clothing, it is possible to show clothes without a person, which allows the buyer to more accurately imagine himself in clothes. We are also on the verge of mass use of virtual fitting rooms. All this reduces the risks when buying clothes in an online store and then returning or throwing them in the trash.

All these factors reduce the amount of clothing that is thrown away and not properly disposed of for various reasons.

This is especially important for personal items like footwear. 3D modeling certainly makes it easier for designers to show their potential clients a fully rotational version of their intended design. However, it seems like a lot of younger designers are starting to use 3D modeling technology from the get-go, foregoing the more traditional skills of sketching and rendering—thumbnail sketching, coming up with little random ideas, detailing thought processes, exploring all avenues, and building on what you’ve created is all part of the creative process.

Skywell Software recently worked on a 3D modeling project in the footwear industry where we allowed brands to display 3D models of various footwear items allowing the customers to view them from all kinds of angles. You can read more about this in our case study. 

Selling Clothes Before They are Actually Created 

3D modeling clothes makes it easy to sell a design even before it is physically created. For example, in 2018, Scandinavian retailer Carlings released its first digital clothes collection, called Neo-Ex. It consisted of 19 sizeless pieces, each with a limited production run of up to 12. Designers at Carling’s combined photos provided by shoppers with digital fashion visualizations so that the people on the resulting pictures were “dressed” in the apparel. With the help of several Insta influences, the whole collection was sold out in a week!

It is worth mentioning that the trend of 3D fashion is eco-friendly. According to ELLE Magazine, the fashion industry contributes more to climate change by emitting carbon than the yearly emissions of air and sea travel combined. So, using greener zero-waste alternatives such as 3D clothes modeling, which is done within digital space, can be a conscious effort to salvage the environment. With the help of fashion 3D software and custom 3D modeling services, you can create your perfect design and make it a commercial success. 

Create Outfits Using a 3D Printer 

Clothing 3D models allow shoppers to custom tailor their outfits. With 3D clothes modeling, styling apparel can become the task of the customer so that they can get personalized outfits. 3D fashion can be used for the creation of physical apparel and accessories on a 3D printer. While today the usage of 3D printing is pretty limited in terms of fashion, and printed outfits can be seen on runways but not in the stores, the future looks promising. The technology is rapidly evolving and used by many talented designers. Today, 3D printing is one of the most promising innovations used in modern design technologies and small-scale production. The problem of scientific and technological progress affects the design of clothes and the design of shoes and various accessories.

At the moment, there are a large number of 3D printing technologies from “paper pressing” to “vacuum melting.” Since the advent of 3D technology, it has been possible to manufacture parts from plastic, photopolymer, paper, plaster, or even soft metal like aluminum or copper. Then, selective laser sintering (SLS) made it possible to produce more elastic and flexible parts. Plastic, lightweight and durable nylon and low-melting plastic became the running materials.

Attend Fashion Shows in VR and Fit 3D Clothes in any Environment 

When talking about clothing 3D modeling software, we have to mention VR since it is becoming widely used in the fashion world. Such brands as Tommy Hilfiger, Rebecca Minkoff, Balenciaga, and others have already offered their clients the experience of attending fashion shows with the help of VR headsets. Once viewers put on the device, they found themselves in a place chosen by the designer to exhibit their works, while physically, they were still miles away from there.

The biggest trump card of VR and 3D clothing models is its possibility of simulating any environment and allowing users to interact with them. This way, designers will possibly be able to transport shoppers to any location that suits the concept of clothing or accessories offered. So, using VR, one can potentially try on a chic 3D evening gown in a royal palace or CG swimsuits on Miami shore. Isn’t it fascinating? 

Trust Skywell Software With All of Your 3D Modeling Needs

Whether you are looking to create cool new fashion modeling apps, create cutting-edge designs, actualize an ambitious idea, or make any other use of 3D modeling, consider hiring Skywell Software to do the development work for you. We have extensive experience using fashion 3D software and creating products for some of the world’s leading brands. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.