VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING FOR CIRCULAR FASHION: A CLO 3D CASE STUDY ON MODULAR TRAVEL WEAR

Abstract

The textile industry — already the world's second most polluting industry  continues to rely heavily on traditional, resource-intensive sample development, in which large volumes of paper and physical fabric are consumed before a design is finalized. Advances in three-dimensional (3D) garment simulation offer a route toward reducing this waste. This paper evaluates CLO 3D, a purpose-built 3D apparel design platform, as a tool for eco-friendly fashion sampling and for the development of a detachable travelling jacket aimed at modern travelers. Detachable garments, which allow interchangeable or removable components, are examined as a strategy for extending garment life, supporting a circular economy, and enabling rapid, low-waste styling changes. Using CLO 3D, virtual samples were developed for female and male apparel, rompers, and a multi-part detachable jacket, and each was evaluated using the software's fit-map, stress-map, strain-map, and pressure-point analysis tools. None of the developed garments exhibited non-wearable (red) zones, and an average tolerable pressure of approximately 14-15 kPa was recorded across pressure points for both woven and knitted fabrics. A cost and capability comparison between CLO 3D and the 2D pattern-engineering platform Gerber AccuMark is also presented. The findings indicate that 3D virtual prototyping in CLO 3D reduces reliance on physical samples, shortens design-iteration cycles, and supports the creation of adaptable, multifunctional garments, positioning it as a practical tool for advancing sustainability in apparel design and production.