From fabric design to the dress manufacturing considering the fabric’s suitability with the end use

Abstract

This study covers an investigation on two wool-type fabrics selected as suitable for cold season dresses. From the beginning, it was expected that the two fabrics will bear out diverse features in dresses due to the different patterns and structures, yet suitable for the end use. The fabrics were tested following the standards for the properties linked to the actual wearing of dresses, some of the features being related also to the general appearance expected by any clothing customer, regardless of the purchasing way (retailing or e-commerce). This opinion was pointed out by a survey of women’s preferences about buying clothing items. Next, it was achieved the 3D clothing simulation to visualize the cold season dress, by combining the sketch, the fabric (with raw material, pattern, colours, and overall features expected for wearing) and finally, the wearer’s body. This approach allowed stepping forward from the experimental results reached for fabrics’ overall quality after the laboratory testing to the dress simulation, to give customers virtual perceptions on the fabrics’ suitability for particular outfits. Therefore, within the textile value chain, the weaving companies should upgrade the design process by including the benefits of the 3D clothing simulation. This strategy would move towards the reaching of the consumer’s perspective on the fabrics suitability for manufacturing items of clothing as successful products on the market.