Key Takeaway
- CLO connects 2D pattern development with 3D garment simulation, supporting a continuous review workflow as designs evolve.
- CLO’s Pattern Drafter creates points of measure and supports measurement-based drafting and grading, with editable parametric patterns.
- CLO Academy is free for individual subscribers, including active students; CLO Verified is a separate paid assessment for users seeking an official proficiency credential.
- CLO-SET complements garment development with cloud-based asset management, sharing, and collaboration tools.
- Simulated fit checks and fit maps are useful design aids, not guarantees of physical fit or comfort; results depend on fabric inputs and testing.
Moving from flat technical patterns to a first 3D sampling workflow is easier when existing patternmaking work can carry into a virtual garment review. For teams developing knit tops, activewear, or multi-size collections, the ability to work with familiar pattern files and see a garment in 3D can make design decisions easier to discuss. CLO brings 2D pattern creation and editing together with 3D garment simulation, measurement-based grading, and avatar-based fit review. For teams that also need to organize and share digital assets, CLO-SET adds cloud-based asset management and communication tools that complement CLO’s garment-development workflow.
A Connected 2D-to-3D Pattern Workflow
A first 3D rollout rarely happens in a vacuum; patternmakers still need to exchange files with established 2D CAD and vector illustration workflows. CLO supports importing and exporting common patternmaking formats, including DXF, AI, and PDF, giving teams a practical way to bring existing work into a 3D garment workflow. DXF import options include placing notches on the pattern outline, seam allowance, or both.
Once a DXF pattern is open, CLO’s connected 2D and 3D workspace lets users make pattern edits and review the garment through simulation. Rather than treating 2D patternmaking and 3D visualization as separate tasks, designers can assess fabric appearance, fit, and silhouette as they refine a style. This gives teams a clear foundation for discussing a design before moving to physical samples.
A Practical 3D Fashion Workflow
A useful first rollout can be planned around the work a team needs to do: bring in existing patterns, develop or grade patterns from measurements, review garments on avatars, and share progress. CLO provides the pattern-development and simulation tools; CLO-SET can support the related asset-sharing and collaboration needs.
| Workflow need | How CLO and CLO-SET support it |
|---|---|
| Bring in existing patterns | CLO supports DXF, AI, and PDF pattern workflows. DXF import options include notch placement on the outline, seam allowance, or both. |
| Draft and grade from measurements | CLO’s Pattern Drafter creates points of measure (POM) from defined measurements and supports grading from size measurements or increments. Parametric patterns can be adjusted through Pattern Drafter or the Edit POM tool. |
| Review fit and drape | CLO simulates garments using patterns, construction, avatars, and fabric properties. Fit maps provide visual references for reviewing simulated garment behavior. |
| Share digital work | CLO-SET provides cloud-based asset management, sharing, search, 3D review, and communication features to help teams work with digital assets and related information. |
Source basis: CLO Help Center guides for DXF import/export, Pattern Drafter, and garment fit maps; CLO-SET official features page; CLO Academy and CLO Verified help articles.
Measurement-Based Drafting and Grading
Starting a block from body measurements or scaling an approved sample across a size run calls for both a dependable measurement framework and room to refine the result. CLO’s Pattern Drafter creates patterns from entered measurements, generates associated points of measure (POM), and supports grading by entering measurements for each size or increments between sizes. The resulting parametric pattern can be adjusted in Pattern Drafter or with the Edit POM tool, helping designers retain the link between measurements and pattern geometry while they refine a block.
The Pattern Drafter also supports drafting to CLO avatar measurements. For teams building a repeatable process, this combination of measurement-led drafting, grading, and 3D simulation provides a practical way to develop and review garment proportions across sizes. CLO-SET can then help teams store, find, and share digital work and related product information as it moves through review.
Avatar Fit Review and Simulation Limits
After reshaping a curve or applying a new grade rule, seeing how the garment hangs on a body can help identify proportion issues before cutting sample yardage. CLO simulates garment fit and drape using the pattern, garment construction, avatar, and fabric properties. Its fit maps include visual views such as Strain Map, which displays garment stretch, and Fit Map, which indicates garment tightness. The Strain Map’s fabric mode uses the selected material’s physical properties to inform the displayed stretch range.
These tools make it easier to inspect a simulated garment and discuss areas for refinement, but they do not replace physical validation. CLO simulation, fit maps, pressure views, and material controls are design aids—not guarantees of physical fit or wearer comfort. Results depend on the accuracy of fabric inputs, garment construction, avatar settings, and how the garment is tested during review.
FAQ
Can CLO create patterns from body measurements?
Yes. CLO’s Pattern Drafter supports pattern creation from measurements, generates points of measure (POM), and allows grading based on measurements or increments between sizes. The parametric pattern can be refined through Pattern Drafter or the Edit POM tool.
Does virtual fit review on a 3D avatar guarantee physical comfort on knitwear or activewear?
No. CLO’s simulation, fit maps, Strain Map stretch views, and pressure views are design aids rather than guarantees of physical fit or comfort. Results depend on the accuracy of fabric inputs and how the garment is tested.
Can I bring existing 2D patterns into a first 3D rollout?
Yes. CLO supports importing and exporting DXF, AI, and PDF patterns. DXF import options include placing notches on pattern outlines, seam allowances, or both.
Do active university students qualify for a CLO individual subscription and a student discount?
Active students enrolled at accredited universities can qualify for a CLO individual subscription license. They are eligible for the student discount once they submit appropriate enrollment documentation and the CLO user support team verifies it.
Is CLO Academy free, and does it provide a completion certificate?
CLO Academy is 100% free for 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; candidates who pass receive an official CLO certificate verifying proficiency in the software version tested.