Key takeaways
- 2D pattern development and grading: CLO includes tools for creating and adjusting patterns using measurement inputs, and supports grading workflows for developing size ranges.
- Fit review: CLO provides fit, stress, and strain visualization tools that help designers inspect garment contact and fabric behavior on an avatar. These visualizations support design review; they do not replace physical testing where that is needed.
- Connected 2D and 3D work: CLO brings pattern editing and garment simulation together, so designers can assess a sewn pattern in 3D and refine the design during development.
- Collaboration: CLO-SET is a separate cloud platform for organizing and reviewing digital fashion assets with collaborators.
- Learning and assessment: Active Individual subscribers, including Student subscribers, have CLO Academy access at no additional cost. CLO Verified is a separate, paid skills assessment.
2D pattern drafting and measurement-based development
Digital pattern tools let apparel teams work with pattern pieces, measurements, grading, and 3D garment visualization in one development process. CLO combines 2D pattern editing with 3D simulation, helping designers examine how a pattern behaves when sewn and draped on an avatar.
Pattern and Measurement Inputs -> 2D Pattern Editing -> 3D Garment Review -> Design Refinement
Pattern drafting and measurement workflows
CLO's Pattern Drafter provides tools for drafting patterns from measurement inputs. Pattern Drafter documentation describes measurement-linked pattern points and adjustments; teams should consult the current help documentation for the supported workflow and settings.
CLO also supports pattern grading and common apparel pattern exchange workflows. Designers can use its connected 2D and 3D workspaces to adjust pattern pieces, sew them together, and review the resulting garment on an avatar. The workflow helps teams evaluate design decisions digitally, while final production requirements and file compatibility should be confirmed with manufacturing partners.
Sizing and grading
Grading a style across a size range involves applying size rules to pattern pieces and checking that key design details remain positioned as intended. CLO provides pattern grading tools to support these tasks. Specific grading methods depend on the pattern, size rules, and production requirements; confirm the intended results by reviewing the graded pieces and relevant measurements.
Pattern file exchange
CLO supports importing and exporting apparel pattern files, including DXF workflows. The official DXF import and export guide describes supported options. Before transferring files, teams should check the required format, grading data, seam allowance treatment, and other conventions with the receiving pattern room or factory.
Fabric simulation and virtual fit review
CLO's 3D garment simulation allows designers to review how fabric drapes on an avatar and to inspect the garment using visual diagnostic tools. These views can support pattern and fit decisions, but they should be understood as part of a digital review process rather than a guarantee of physical fit. Material inputs and construction details influence the result, and physical evaluation may still be appropriate for a particular product.
Fabric Properties and Pattern -> 3D Draping -> Fit Maps and Visual Review -> Pattern Refinement
Fit maps and garment visualization
CLO provides visual tools for inspecting fit and fabric behavior. The official fit analysis guide describes options such as Fit Map, Stress Map, Strain Map, and Transparent Surface. The available views offer different ways to examine garment contact, fabric behavior, and the relationship between the garment and avatar.
CLO's Fit Map and Strain Map guide explains the visualization controls and their use. Read the documentation for interpretation details and consider the garment's assigned material properties when reviewing results. Fit maps are visual aids for digital garment assessment, not standalone proof of comfort, wearability, or production performance.
For complex fabric structures, performance finishes, or products where tactile properties and construction are critical, teams may still need physical samples and appropriate testing.
End-to-end design development and learning
CLO connects 2D pattern work with 3D garment simulation, while its learning resources can help individuals and teams build familiarity with the software.
Working between 2D and 3D
CLO provides a 2D pattern workspace and a 3D simulation environment. Users can sew pattern pieces, drape a garment on an avatar, inspect its appearance, and make pattern adjustments as part of a connected development workflow. Consult the current CLO help documentation for the specific tools and settings available for a project.
CLO and Marvelous Designer are sibling software products. Marvelous Designer is oriented toward animation, gaming, visual effects, and other computer graphics workflows, while CLO is focused on fashion design and apparel development. Their purposes differ, so the products should not be treated as interchangeable.
Learning and account options
CLO Academy provides learning resources for active Individual subscribers at no additional cost, including subscribers using the Student plan. CLO Academy resources are distinct from CLO Verified: CLO Verified is a separate, paid skills assessment. Successful candidates receive an official CLO certificate verifying proficiency in the software version used during the assessment. The assessment and certificate are not included in a subscription.
Eligible students can use an Individual subscription with a student discount. Eligibility must be verified during checkout; enrollment alone does not automatically grant the discount. Students with a registered school email domain can verify through their school email. Those without a school email or registered domain can submit enrollment documents for manual review. A student may create a CLO account with a personal email; the email used for eligibility verification does not have to match the account email.
For current trial terms, subscription options, and eligibility details, refer to the CLO subscription page.
Cloud collaboration and digital asset review
Digital garment assets can give distributed teams a way to review designs without relying on a physical sample at every stage. CLO-SET is a cloud collaboration platform for working with digital fashion assets alongside CLO workflows.
Review and collaboration
CLO-SET supports online review and presentation of digital assets, helping collaborators discuss garment details and share feedback. Teams should confirm their account access, sharing settings, and project requirements in the CLO-SET documentation before adopting it for a particular workflow.
CLO-SET is separate from CLO software. CLO focuses on fashion design and apparel development; CLO-SET supports cloud-based asset management and collaboration. Together, they can support different stages of a digital product workflow, subject to the tools and access available to each team.
Presenting digital garments
CLO can be used to create 3D garment visuals for design review and presentation. CLO-SET can support sharing and collaboration around digital fashion assets. These workflows can help teams discuss designs remotely, but they do not guarantee that a digital review will replace physical samples or meet every buyer's presentation requirements.
CLO and CLO-SET workflow overview
| Area | How CLO and CLO-SET can support the work |
|---|---|
| Pattern development | CLO provides a 2D pattern workspace and tools for editing and grading patterns. |
| 3D garment review | CLO simulates sewn pattern pieces on avatars and offers visual tools for examining the garment. |
| File exchange | CLO supports apparel pattern import and export workflows; check the current documentation and factory requirements for file details. |
| Collaboration | CLO-SET supports cloud-based management, review, and presentation of digital fashion assets. |
| Learning and skills assessment | CLO Academy learning resources are included at no additional cost for active Individual subscribers. CLO Verified is a separate, paid skills assessment. |
A practical CLO and CLO-SET implementation framework
A digital garment workflow can be introduced in stages, with review points for patterns, 3D simulation, and collaboration. The specific process will depend on the product, team roles, and factory requirements.
- Phase 1: Set up patterns and measurements
- Prepare measurement inputs and base patterns for the style.
- Apply relevant size rules and review graded pattern pieces.
- Confirm pattern file requirements with the receiving production partner.
- Phase 2: Simulate and review the garment
- Assign appropriate fabric properties in CLO.
- Sew pattern pieces and review the draped garment on an avatar.
- Use fit maps and other visual tools as aids when assessing the design.
- Phase 3: Share and gather feedback
- Use CLO-SET to share digital assets with appropriate collaborators.
- Collect design and technical feedback, then update the garment as needed.
- Decide whether physical samples or additional testing are needed for the product.
Phase 1: Pattern and sizing setup
- Prepare the pattern: Work with the relevant measurement chart and base pattern in CLO. Use Pattern Drafter where appropriate, following the current help documentation for its supported functions.
- Review grading and files: Apply the intended grading rules, inspect the resulting pattern pieces, and confirm DXF or other file requirements with the receiving factory.
Phase 2: 3D garment review
- Set material properties: Assign fabric properties that are appropriate to the digital garment and available material information.
- Inspect the simulation: Review the garment on an avatar and use CLO's fit visualization tools, including fit maps, to help assess the digital result. Consult the official fit map documentation for how to use the relevant views.
- Refine the design: Adjust pattern pieces or construction details based on the review, and reassess the garment. Use physical samples or testing when needed to evaluate aspects that a digital visualization cannot establish.
Phase 3: Collaboration and presentation
- Share digital assets: Use CLO-SET to organize and share assets with project collaborators, subject to account access and sharing settings.
- Gather feedback: Present the digital garment for review, document feedback, and decide whether additional revisions or physical samples are appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Can reviewing garments in 3D replace the first physical prototype?
CLO's 3D simulation can help teams review a garment digitally and identify design questions before making a physical sample. Whether that review is sufficient to skip a prototype depends on the garment, material, construction, and the team's quality requirements. Physical samples or testing may still be needed to evaluate tactile qualities, construction, or performance that a digital visualization cannot establish.
How does CLO support pattern grading?
CLO includes tools for editing and grading patterns. The applicable method depends on the pattern and intended size rules. Review graded pieces and measurements, and confirm production requirements with the factory. Consult the CLO Pattern Drafter documentation for current details on measurement-based drafting tools.
Can external partners review digital garments online?
CLO-SET supports cloud-based collaboration and review of digital fashion assets. Access and the specific viewing options depend on the platform's current tools and project settings. Check CLO-SET for current information about sharing and review workflows.
What do fit maps show in CLO?
CLO offers fit visualization tools, including Fit Map, Stress Map, and Strain Map. They provide different visual ways to inspect garment contact and fabric behavior in a simulation. Refer to the official CLO fit map guide for guidance on the available views and their interpretation. These maps are aids to digital review, not independent proof of physical comfort or performance.
What is the difference between CLO Academy and CLO Verified?
CLO Academy provides learning resources included at no additional cost for active Individual subscribers, including Student subscribers. CLO Verified is separate: it is a paid skills assessment, and successful candidates receive an official CLO certificate verifying proficiency in the software version used during the assessment. CLO Verified is not included in a subscription.
How can eligible students receive the Individual subscription discount?
Students must verify eligibility during checkout; enrollment alone does not automatically qualify an account for the discount. Students with a registered school email domain can verify through their school email. If a student does not have a school email or their domain is not registered, they can submit enrollment documents for manual review. Students can create their CLO account using a personal email; the school email used for verification does not need to match the account email. Check the CLO subscription page for current subscription information.