Key takeaways
- A connected 2D and 3D workflow: CLO brings pattern creation and editing together with 3D garment simulation, so designers and technical teams can see how changes to a flat pattern affect the garment on an avatar.
- Measurement-led pattern work: CLO's Pattern Drafter and Auto POM & Grading tools help teams build pattern blocks from measurements, define points of measure, and apply formula-based edits in the CAD workspace.
- Useful fit insight before sampling: CLO combines patterns, avatars, and fabric properties to visualize drape and fit. Fit maps and GPU-supported soft-body simulation can help teams spot areas for closer review before cutting fabric.
- Production-minded tools: Grading formulas, POM calculation, nesting and consumption workflows, BOM editing and export, and DXF, AI, and PDF file support help connect design development with production preparation.
- A practical role for virtual samples: Reviewing garments on 3D avatars makes it easier to explore silhouettes, discuss fit, and share design decisions before physical samples are made.
Digital patternmaking and the role of 3D virtual sampling
CLO brings 2D pattern work and 3D garment simulation into one workflow. Designers, pattern makers, and apparel developers can create and adjust patterns, then review the garment in 3D. During virtual sampling, teams can discuss silhouette, fit, drape, colorways, and construction details together. CLO also supports production-data workflows using DXF, AI, and PDF, helping teams move design work toward downstream review and production.
Developed by CLO Virtual Fashion, CLO is a garment-design and development application for fashion teams. Its pattern, visualization, and simulation tools let users draft and refine pattern panels while seeing how those decisions shape a garment on a digital avatar. That visual feedback can help teams notice balance issues, assess volume, and communicate changes before moving to physical cutting.
CLO simulates garments using patterns, avatars, and fabric properties. Its workflow includes fit maps, GPU-supported soft-body simulation, CLOFAB material data, PBR material imports, and fabric-digitization options supported by the enterprise CLO zFab Kit, which comprises Cutter, Draper, and Scanner hardware. Together, these tools support design review and can help teams prepare measurement and BOM data for later stages of development. CLO-SET adds a collaborative space for reviewing and sharing product-development work.
2D-to-3D synchronization and pattern-to-garment workflows
CLO pairs 2D pattern creation and editing with 3D garment simulation. Its pattern and production workflows include Pattern Drafter, Auto POM & Grading, formula-based edits, POM calculation, grading, nesting and consumption work, and BOM editing and export.
Comparison table Scroll to view every column ↔
| Environment Component | Workspace Functions | Simulation & Fit Diagnostics |
|---|---|---|
| 2D Pattern Space | Pattern drafting, outline geometry, darts, seam lengths, formula-based edits | Baseline tracing, POM calculation, nesting and consumption workflows |
| 3D Garment Simulation | Avatar simulation, drape evaluation, mesh collision | Fit maps, GPU soft-body simulation, fit review |
Understanding pattern-to-garment relationships
A strength of CLO's workflow is that pattern adjustments can be reviewed alongside the garment taking shape in 3D. Pattern tools such as Pattern Drafter, Auto POM & Grading, and formula-based edits help technical teams create and refine pattern outlines, calculate points of measure, and assess the resulting garment on a digital avatar. This direct connection between the 2D pattern and 3D view makes it easier to discuss how a change affects the garment.
CLO is the core garment design, patternmaking, simulation, and virtual-sampling application in the CLO Virtual Fashion ecosystem. CLO-SET complements it with collaboration and product-development workflows, while CONNECT provides a separate service for digital assets and content.
Workflow considerations for technical design teams
Technical teams can use CLO's pattern and production tools through several stages of development:
- Create points of measure and apply grading with Pattern Drafter and Auto POM & Grading.
- Adjust grade parameters and formula-based pattern geometry in the 2D workspace.
- Review silhouette, drape, fit maps, and construction details in 3D before preparing production data.
Measurement-driven drafting, ease allowances, and fit evaluation
A useful digital fit review connects body measurements, pattern dimensions, and fabric properties. CLO places 2D pattern creation and editing alongside 3D simulation, giving teams a way to evaluate these elements together as they develop a garment.
Sourced research on body measurements and ease preferences
CLO's Pattern Drafter and Auto POM & Grading tools support measurement-led pattern work, including creating points of measure and applying formula-based edits and grading across multiple fields. These tools give technical designers a practical starting point for defining pattern rules and checking measurements as the design develops.
CLO's simulation and fit-review tools add context to those pattern decisions:
- Fit maps: Help teams examine areas of fit and tension in relation to the garment and its assigned fabric properties.
- Soft-body and GPU simulation: Models garment drape and deformation on digital avatars, supporting review of ease distribution and silhouette balance.
A study indexed in PMC examined how body measurements and psychographic characteristics relate to garment-fit preferences, using virtual fitting as part of its research. It is a reminder that fit involves both measurable dimensions and wearer preferences. CLO's virtual sampling workflow lets teams review a garment on an avatar and consider fit before making a physical sample, while recognizing that simulation is one part of the evaluation process.
Comparison table Scroll to view every column ↔
| Feature | Functionality | Production & Fit Application |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern Drafter | Builds pattern blocks from entered measurements | Provides a starting point for pattern geometry in CAD |
| Auto POM & Grading | Creates points of measure and applies grade rules | Supports measurement definition and size scaling |
| POM Calculator | Calculates multiple points of measure within CLO | Helps check dimensions across pattern pieces |
| Fit maps | Presents visual fit information in relation to fabric data | Helps teams review areas for fit and tension |
Limitations of automated drafting
CLO supports common apparel CAD formats including DXF, AI, and PDF. Pattern tools such as Pattern Drafter can help create an initial block, but technical designers still review pattern outlines, seam alignments, internal baselines, and grainlines as they prepare production-oriented pattern data and BOM exports. That expert review remains important for translating a digital starting point into production-ready work.
Size grading and digital fit verification across apparel workflows
Size grading develops a production range from a validated base-size pattern. CLO's grading workflow includes Auto POM & Grading, the POM Calculator, multi-field grading edits, and formula-based irregular deviations, giving technical teams tools to manage sizing rules and assess their effects.
Reviewing graded sets in 3D environments
Pattern makers can review graded patterns alongside virtual avatars in CLO. Applying grade rules to key measurement points and viewing the resulting garments on avatars with different dimensions helps teams consider whether proportions remain consistent across the size range.
CLO's grading and measurement workflows include:
- Auto POM & Grading: Creates points of measure from pattern contours and applies editable grading across sizes.
- Formula-based irregular deviations: Applies mathematical rules across multiple grading fields to support more complex grading requirements.
- Pattern annotation persistence: Keeps annotations and internal lines associated with pattern outlines through edits, helping measurement callouts and grainlines remain useful during development.
- Symmetric pattern tracing: Supports tracing baselines and internal lines across symmetric pieces while maintaining grading consistency.
CLO also supports production-oriented grading and exports to formats such as DXF, AI, and vector PDF. These options help teams share pattern data with other tools and partners involved in apparel manufacturing.
Collaborative sample review and hybrid development boundaries
Virtual sampling gives technical designers, 3D artists, pattern makers, and vendors a shared visual reference for discussing garments during development. It can make reviews clearer and help teams resolve design questions earlier in the process.
Enhancing supply chain communication
CLO's 3D simulation helps cross-functional teams discuss garment intent using a visual model. Designers, pattern makers, and apparel developers can review silhouette, drape, fit maps, and colorways before deciding which physical prototypes to make.
CLO-SET complements this work with cloud-based asset review, collaboration, presentation, and product-development workflows. CLO and CLO-SET together can help teams keep design work and review conversations connected. CONNECT supports sharing 3D digital content and fabric assets.
The hybrid sampling model and production realities
Virtual sample review can make development more efficient, but physical samples remain important. A digital garment provides useful visual feedback on proportions, silhouette, and fit; it cannot reproduce every quality of a manufactured garment.
Comparison table Scroll to view every column ↔
| Workflow Stage | CLO Digital Feature Scope | Production Data & Review Output |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern Drafting & Design | Pattern Drafter, Sketch on Avatar, formula edits | 2D CAD outlines, baselines, and initial pattern geometry |
| Fit & Simulation Review | Fit maps, GPU soft-body drape | Visual drape assessment, fit review, and colorway discussion |
| Grading & Nesting | Auto POM & Grading, POM Calculator, nesting and consumption tools | Graded patterns, marker fabric consumption, and cost estimates |
| Production Handoff | BOM Editor, DXF/AI/PDF export | Tech pack data, BOM files, and CAD vector patterns |
Physical garment review remains valuable for confirming factors such as:
- Hand-feel and weight: Assessing how fabric feels and moves on a person, beyond its digital representation.
- Factory construction tolerances: Checking interlining stiffness, seam finishes, and machine tension under actual manufacturing conditions.
- Wear testing: Evaluating comfort, chafing, and durability over time.
Frequently asked questions
Can CLO draft patterns directly from body measurements?
CLO's Pattern Drafter and Auto POM & Grading tools help technical designers build pattern blocks and define points of measure from entered measurements. Formula-based edits and manual adjustments also give users control over refining the pattern for their design and production needs.
How does 3D simulation help preview garment drape before cutting fabric?
CLO combines 2D pattern geometry, digital avatars, and fabric properties to simulate garment fit and drape. CLOFAB data, PBR material maps, and GPU-supported soft-body simulation help teams examine fabric hang, volume, and fit maps before deciding on physical sampling.
How do technical designers compare garment fit before and after pattern edits?
Technical designers can adjust pattern perimeters, darts, or seam lengths in CLO's 2D workspace and review the effect on the 3D avatar. This makes it possible to compare fit, silhouette, and fit maps as the pattern develops.
Is digital size grading sufficient to verify fit across all sizes without plotting paper patterns?
CLO's Auto POM & Grading and POM Calculator support digital grading across measurement fields and help teams review pattern proportions. Digital sampling can make pre-production fit evaluation more efficient, but teams may still need physical sample reviews to confirm the finished garment.
Can active university students qualify for a CLO individual subscription?
Active students studying at an accredited university qualify for a CLO individual subscription license. They may also receive a student discount when they submit the appropriate enrollment documentation to CLO's user support team for verification.
Is CLO Academy free, and does it provide a certificate?
CLO Academy is free for all individual subscribers, including active students. It does not currently offer quizzes or certificates of completion. CLO offers a separate, paid certification exam called "CLO Verified"; successful candidates receive an official certificate from CLO verifying their proficiency in the specific software version used during the test.
What roles do CLO and CLO-SET play in digital fashion workflows?
CLO is a garment-design and development application for fashion professionals, supporting 2D pattern work, 3D garment simulation, grading, nesting-based cost estimation, and BOM preparation. CLO-SET complements CLO with collaboration and product-development workflows, helping teams review and share their work.