Clothing Design for the Digital Age

by Clare Kaufman
Fashion School Review Columnist

July 28, 2008

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Clothing designs were once born on a sketchpad. These days, they come to life on the computer screen. Fashion design software applies 2D and 3D CAD (computer aided design) technology to every step of the clothing design process, from pattern drawing to runway modeling.

Imagination is only part of the game. Clothing designers today wield the same technical skills as graphic designers. The best fashion schools boast high tech computer labs and courses targeting the industry's powerful computer-aided drafting tools.

Fashion Design Software: An Overview
Here's a look at some of the fashion design software applications you can expect to encounter in fashion school.

Pattern Design
Generate new patterns or digitize and edit hard copy patterns. Pattern design software allows designers to add grommets, darts, pleats, seam allowance, advanced measurements, and dimension changes.

Textile Marker
Plan pattern cuts to make the best use of textiles, minimizing waste and labor. The software even marks striped and plaid textiles to ensure the continuity of the pattern across cuts.

Made-to-Measure Modulator
Modulate the shape of a garment to fit the four key dimensions of the human form: shoulder, bust, waist, and hips.

3D Runway Designer
Visualize your clothing design on a moving model. This 3D animation software allows the clothing designer to create and clothe an avatar. The fashion design software simulates the movement of the cloth based on the pattern and fabric characteristics.

Fashion design software has revolutionized the clothing design process, staging virtual "dress rehearsals" to plan each step. Designers, manufacturers, and fashion merchandisers rely on CAD tools to reduce labor costs and material waste. Digital clothing design skills are crucial in today's fashion industry. Choose a fashion school with a state-of-the-art computer lab and technical training courses. If you're not quite ready to enroll in a degree program, but have an interest in fashion and CAD, classes are available through online colleges.

About the Author
Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer specializing in education and career advice. She has a graduate degree in English.

Featured Schools
Campus The Art Institutes The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations. See more facts about The Art Institutes Program Offer: Fashion Design (BFA) Fashion Design (AA) Fashion Design (AAA) And more... Campus Locations: Chicago Dallas Denver Fort Lauderdale Houston Indianapolis Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis New York North Hollywood Philadelphia Pittsburgh Portland San Antonio San Bernardino San Diego San Francisco Santa Ana Santa Monica Schaumburg Seattle Tucson Vancouver Campus International Academy of Design and Tech Start planning for your future. No matter what you want to achieve in your career, the International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago can help. The Academy offers diverse and comprehensive degree programs in numerous Design disciplines as wel See more facts about International Academy of Design and Tech Program Offer: Fashion Design and Merchandising Fashion Design Fashion Design and Marketing Campus Locations: Chicago Henderson Nashville San Antonio Seattle Campus American InterContinental University Get the design and business skills you need to succeed. American InterContinental University - Buckhead's mission is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and practical work experience they need for success. Whether you're interested in Internati See more facts about American InterContinental University Program Offer: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Marketing and Design Campus Locations: Fort Lauderdale Campus Collins College Prepare yourself for the future. Collins College, located in Tempe, AZ, is your gateway to the world of design and technology. Get the education you need to start a new career in Visual Communication, Multimedia Production, Animation, Digital Video, or PC See more facts about Collins College Program Offer: Fashion Design and Merchandising Campus Locations: Phoenix Online Stratford Career Institute Earn Your Diploma from Home! Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods. See more facts about Stratford Career Institute Program Offer: Fashion Merchandising and Design Campus Visual College of Art and Design Follow your passion! For over 35 years, the Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD) has taught artists and imaginative people just like you. VCAD's Fine Arts diploma program is highly regarded for providing a well-rounded arts education in an environment that emphasizes creativity and individuality. Which program is right for you? Choose from Graphic Design, Marketing & Merchandising for Fashion, 3D Modelling Animation Art & Design, Fashion Design, and Interior Design. We know that employers want graduates who are knowledgeable about their field and possess the most up-to-date technical skills. That's why our students receive focused and specialized training on the tools, techniques, and technology used in their chosen career field. Visual College of Art and Design offers courses at one campus in Vancouver, British Columbia Get started today by answering a few questions.>>> See more facts about Visual College of Art and Design Program Offer: Fashion Design Campus Locations: Vancouver