Key takeaways
- CLO brings 2D pattern development and 3D garment review together, so designers can move between pattern edits and virtual prototypes within one workflow.
- Sketch- and measurement-based tools support early pattern development: Sketch on Avatar and Pattern Drafter help turn design concepts and measurements into editable 2D pattern pieces.
- Grading tools support both standard size runs and more detailed adjustments, including formula-based deviations and point-by-point edits.
- Fit maps and pressure visualization help teams review garment behavior against the assigned material properties and virtual body shape.
- Production handoff depends on the workflow: CLO supports technical documentation and common CAD and 3D exchange formats, while PLM synchronization and conversion fidelity should be validated for each production setup.
2D pattern drafting precision and drafting automation
Technical apparel design demands exact geometric control over flat patterns alongside immediate visual feedback in 3D. When developing core blocks for woven shirts, trousers, or complex outerwear, pattern makers require tools that generate base geometry from numerical measurements while retaining standard CAD editing capabilities.
2D/3D drafting workflow steps
- Base geometry and sketch input: Parametric drafting from measurement charts and on-avatar 3D sketching converted into 2D flat pattern pieces.
- Pattern modification and detailing: Seam line adjustments, dart manipulation, notch placement, and synchronized 2D/3D visualization without tool switching.
- Industrialization preparation: Seam allowances, grainlines, internal line groupings, and grading rule assignment across target size ranges.
CLO brings 2D pattern creation and editing together with 3D garment simulation. Sketch on Avatar lets technical designers draw garment silhouettes on a digital mannequin and convert them into 2D pattern pieces. For measurement-driven construction, Pattern Drafter creates parametric patterns from body measurements and schematic sketch images. These tools give teams a practical starting point for developing and refining pattern blocks while keeping the 2D pattern and 3D garment connected.
Multi-size pattern grading and virtual avatar fit testing
Grading patterns across a full size run requires strict consistency in proportion, notch positioning, and seam allowances. Verifying these graded sizes virtually on digital avatars helps technical design teams identify proportion errors before fabric is cut.
CLO supports size grading with automated tools and editable controls. Pattern Drafter | Auto POM & Grading generates points of measure from entered measurements and applies grading across sizes. For complex tailoring or irregular increments, pattern makers can use multi-field grading edits, formula-based deviations, and selective adjustments at individual points. A dedicated input interface helps make grading issues visible during review.
Grading and multi-avatar validation workflow
- Base pattern: Apply grading formulas and rule tables to establish baseline geometry.
- Graded size run: Generate the target size set with scaled notches and seam allowances.
- Digital mannequins: Fit graded patterns across custom and soft-body virtual avatars.
- Fit diagnostic: Review fit maps and pressure visualizations alongside the pattern and avatar.
Digital fabric simulation, strain mapping, and defect detection
Accurate virtual fit review requires a physics engine that accounts for fabric mechanical properties (such as stretch, shear, and bending) alongside contact dynamics with the human body. Digital strain analysis identifies areas where a garment binds, pulls, or bunches.
CLO simulates fit and drape using 2D pattern geometry, digital avatars, and material properties. Fit maps help designers review how a garment stretches in relation to the assigned fabric, while pressure visualization can highlight areas of close contact. Soft-body avatar simulation also allows garments to interact with compressible digital body models.
Material simulation engine architecture
- Input properties: Stretch (warp and weft), shear resistance, bending rigidity, fabric thickness, and weight.
- Simulation and collision: CLO supports cloth simulation, soft-body avatar interaction, and self-collision detection.
- Diagnostic feedback: Fit maps help show fabric stretch and pressure visualizations help identify areas of close contact.
CLO capabilities at a glance
CLO’s documented tools support pattern development, virtual fit review, and production handoff within a connected apparel workflow.
Data table · Scroll horizontally to see all columns. Arrow keys work when focused.
| Feature / Capability | CLO |
|---|---|
| 2D CAD Pattern Drafting | 2D/3D synchronized creation, editing, and parametric drafting |
| Sketch & Concept Conversion | Sketch on Avatar and parametric drafting from sketches and images |
| Pattern Grading Mechanism | Auto POM & Grading, multi-field formulas, and irregular deviations |
| Tension & Strain Analysis | Fit maps, Pressure Maps, and soft-body simulation |
| Production Tech Pack Support | POM calculator, BOM export, and nesting cost calculations |
| Interoperability Formats | DXF, AI, PDF, glTF, and USDZ |
Category-specific CAD workflows for technical design teams
Technical design requirements vary across garment classifications. Pattern tools must handle distinct material behaviors, construction methods, and hardware trims.
Key workflows across garment categories
- Gauge-controlled knitwear: Parameterize wales, courses, yarn thickness, and gauge, and connect to dedicated knit bridges like SHIMA SEIKI ApexFiz.
- Denim and heavy wovens: Apply wash treatment effects (stone, enzyme, and bleach), define topstitching, and set seam allowance corner notches.
- Multi-layer outerwear and performance wear: Implement GPU trim simulation, custom OBJ zipper teeth, threaded lacing, glued pockets, and grouped internal lines.
Gauge-controlled knitwear
Designing fully fashioned or cut-and-sew knitwear requires adjusting stitch density and yarn structure. CLO’s Knit Swatch Editor allows technical designers to configure Wales, Courses, Yarn Thickness, and Gauge parameters directly. CLO also maintains a data bridge with SHIMA SEIKI ApexFiz, enabling the exchange of knit structures.
Denim and washed wovens
Denim development relies on accurate seam construction, shrinkage consideration, and wet processing representation. CLO includes tools for Denim Wet Wash Effects (such as stone, enzyme, and bleach washes), topstitch styling in Schematic Render, and notch placement at seam-allowance corners.
Outerwear, tailoring, and performance apparel
Heavy outerwear involves multi-layered assemblies, internal pockets, and hardware. CLO’s Lacing and Gluing tools attach accessory patterns, such as pockets, patches, and labels, so they follow garment motion during simulation. CLO also supports GPU trim simulation and custom OBJ zipper teeth registration.
Production tech pack handoff, nesting, and PLM integration
The transition from digital sample approval to factory production requires clean data handoffs, including Points of Measure (POM), Bills of Materials (BOM), markers, and vector CAD patterns. Enterprise PLM synchronization and cross-platform conversion fidelity vary by setup, so teams should validate their own production workflow.
Tech pack and factory data pipeline
- 3D garment model input: Connect approved 3D virtual garments with specification and costing work.
- Automated calculation engines: Use POM calculators to measure dimensions, BOM editors to export material and trim lists, and nesting engines to calculate fabric consumption and per-garment cost estimates.
- Production export formats: Output vector CAD data (DXF AAMA/ASTM, AI, vector PDF) and digital 3D formats (glTF, USDZ/USD via Omniverse Connect).
CLO incorporates a POM Calculator that defines measurement items and calculates dimensions directly inside the application. For material planning, CLO calculates nesting-based fabric consumption and per-garment cost estimates, with controls to align pattern bundle directions to help prevent shading issues. CLO supports BOM export, vector-preserving PDF output, Adobe Illustrator vector imports, and DXF pattern exchange with apparel CAD systems. For 3D exchange, CLO exports animated glTF files and supports USD/USDZ layers through Omniverse Connect.
Frequently asked questions
Can technical sketches be converted directly into 2D patterns?
CLO’s Sketch on Avatar lets technical designers draw style lines and silhouettes directly on a 3D mannequin and convert them into 2D pattern shapes. CLO’s Pattern Drafter also creates editable parametric patterns from schematic sketch images and body measurements.
How does virtual fit testing detect fabric tightness before physical sampling?
Virtual fit diagnostics use material properties to assess how a garment behaves against the body. CLO’s fit maps help designers review fabric stretch, while pressure visualization can highlight areas of close contact. These visual cues support fit review before physical sampling.
Can size grading be automated across multiple body shapes?
CLO’s Auto POM & Grading derives Points of Measure and applies grading scales based on input measurement tables. For complex silhouettes, pattern makers can apply formula-based irregular deviations or edit grading points selectively. Graded patterns can then be reviewed on digital avatars to check proportions across the intended size range.
How are knitwear gauge and yarn parameters handled in 3D CAD?
CLO’s Knit Swatch Editor lets designers configure structural knit properties, including Wales, Courses, Yarn Thickness, and Gauge. CLO also links with SHIMA SEIKI ApexFiz systems via an integration bridge.
What file formats are used to transfer 3D patterns to factory cutting systems?
Apparel CAD workflows commonly use standardized vector and CAD formats for production handoff. CLO supports DXF export, vector-preserving PDF, and Adobe Illustrator vector files. Confirm the required format and conversion behavior with the production partners and systems in your workflow.