Virtual Fashion
What Is Virtual Sampling?
Virtual sampling is a digital process that involves creating virtual prototypes and simulations of garments, accessories, or other fashion products using advanced computer graphics and 3D modeling technologies. It allows designers, brands, and manufacturers to visualize and evaluate the appearance, fit, and overall aesthetics of a product without needing physical samples. This digital approach streamlines various stages of product development, such as design, pattern-making, fitting, and merchandising.
The Shift from Physical to Virtual Sampling
In the traditional fashion industry, physical sampling requires significant time, effort, and resources. Designers and manufacturers need to create multiple physical samples, which can be costly and time-consuming. Virtual sampling provides a more efficient and sustainable alternative by enabling digital product representation, which can be manipulated and evaluated in a virtual environment.
Design Flexibility & Sustainability
Through virtual sampling, designers can experiment with different fabrics, colors, patterns, and silhouettes in a realistic and interactive 3D setting. This allows for faster iterations and modifications, helping designers refine their designs efficiently. By eliminating the need for physical samples, virtual sampling significantly reduces material waste and environmental impact associated with traditional production processes.
Improved Collaboration & Accuracy
Virtual sampling enhances collaboration and communication among stakeholders in the fashion supply chain. Designers can share digital prototypes with manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers, ensuring clearer communication and reducing the likelihood of errors or misunderstandings. This shared understanding improves accuracy and efficiency throughout the production process.
Cost Savings & Market Agility
Virtual sampling reduces costs and shortens the product development cycle by minimizing reliance on physical samples. This enables brands to respond quickly to market trends, an essential advantage in the fast-paced fashion industry. Additionally, virtual sampling allows brands to test innovative designs without large-scale production, minimizing financial risks.
In summary, virtual sampling represents a transformative shift towards digitization and sustainability in fashion. It empowers designers and brands to create, visualize, and evaluate products in a virtual environment, leading to faster iterations, improved collaboration, and reduced environmental impact. By leveraging advanced computer graphics and 3D modeling technologies, virtual sampling is revolutionizing fashion development, bringing efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced creativity to the industry.
Case studies
Adidas (in collaboration with Browzwear)
Adidas, a leading sportswear brand, has partnered with Browzwear, a pioneer in 3D fashion design and development solutions, to implement virtual sampling in their product development process. By leveraging Browzwear’s advanced 3D design software, Adidas creates highly realistic digital prototypes of footwear and apparel. This collaboration enables designers, engineers, and marketers to visualize and evaluate the product’s aesthetics, functionality, and fit in a virtual environment. More about Adidas and Browzwear
PVH Corp (Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger)
PVH Corp, the parent company of renowned fashion brands Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger has partnered with Optitex, a leading provider of 3D virtual prototyping software, to integrate virtual sampling into their design process. By utilizing Optitex’s advanced technology, Tommy Hilfiger creates digital prototypes of garments, allowing their designers and merchandisers to visualize the final product before physical production. This collaboration has significantly reduced the time and cost associated with traditional sampling methods, enabling faster decision-making and more sustainable production practices. More about PVH Corp and Optitex
Nike
Nike’s integration of 3D design expertise has revolutionized its footwear design process, blending creativity and technology to accelerate development, enhance collaboration, and drive sustainability. By leveraging tools like parametric modeling, digital prototyping, and 3D printing, designers bridge the gap between concept and manufacturing while exploring innovative geometries and materials. This approach has reduced development timelines, minimized waste, and enabled consumer-centric designs like the reimagined Air Max. Through 3D-driven innovation, Nike continues to lead the industry in performance, sustainability, and cutting-edge design. More about Nike
Vizoo’s xTex™
Vizoo’s xTex™ material solutions bring unmatched photo-realism to 3D digitization projects across fashion, footwear, automotive, and architecture. By capturing every intricate detail of your materials, xTex™ ensures your digital creations come to life with stunning accuracy and depth. Explore how xTex™ can transform your workflow and elevate your designs. Learn more.
MAKALOT
Makalot Industrial Co., Ltd., a leading Taiwan-based apparel manufacturer, has been a trailblazer in Digital Product Creation (DPC) since 2006, pioneering digital workflows ahead of the industry’s curve. Elly Cheng, Director of DPC, highlights how their ambition drives innovation and success across every endeavor. Discover why Makalot bets on Vizoo’s material digitization solutions to elevate their digital product creation. Learn more
Professional Reflections
Lindex, Nanna Egonsdotter Petersson, 3D Garment Technician
“I like to experiment with different technical solutions when I create my patterns. CLO enables me to do this without wasting any resources, and I can see the results of my patterns straight away. I can now make sure that the fit and size is exactly like my designer has envisioned before I send out any final patterns.”
Taskin Goec-Mixed Reality Designer
“I find that working with CLO is much more dynamic. It allows me to be experimental and quick and try out tons of different things up until the production level. Because designing clothes for production can be quite costly, and with CLO, I make this process much more streamlined.” https://www.clo3d.com/en/company/clo-users/stories/53 See other company interviews:, Monica Findeis Freelance 3D Designer
References
McDowell, M. (2019, November 7). Tommy Hilfiger switches to 100% digital design. Vogue Business. https://www.voguebusiness.com/technology/tommy-hilfiger-pvh-corp-3d-design-digital-clothing-innovation-sustainability
Bain, M. (2022, November 22). How virtual sampling went mainstream. The Business of Fashion. https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/technology/how-virtual-sampling-went-mainstream/
Silvestri, Barbara. “The future of fashion: How the quest for digitization and the use of artificial intelligence and extended reality will reshape the fashion industry after COVID-19.” ZoneModa Journal 10.2 (2020): 61-73.
Jiang, E. (2021, November 18). Virtual reality: Growth engine for fashion?. The Business of Fashion. https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/technology/virtual-reality-growth-engine-for-fashion/