We make 3D models and digital avatars
from 3D body scans
for use in Pattern-making and
Virtual Fashion software
A 3D body scan captures the true geometry of a person’s body: every curve, proportion, and postural nuance that measurements alone cannot fully describe. When that scan is processed into a clean digital avatar and imported into software like CLO3D, Gerber AccuMark, Optitex, or TukaTech, you can drape, fit, and iterate on garments digitally, before cutting a single piece of fabric. PersonalFashion LLC provides professional-grade 3D body scans with file preparation specifically optimized for fashion design and virtual fitting software.
What You Get from your 3D scan
We deliver a professionally scanned and processed 3D body model, ready to import into your software of choice.
Included in a basic full-body scan for software:
- The scan itself: A full-body scan captures the complete geometry of the body from head to toe. General outlines of the head and feet are included; detailed facial features, hands, and feet are not part of the standard output. The scan can be taken with or without shoes depending on your intended use.
- File format: Files are delivered as .OBJ or .STL, compatible with most professional pattern-making and virtual fashion software packages. If your software requires a different format or specific export settings, let us know at the time of booking. Scans capture geometry only. Color/texture is not captured.
- Mesh optimization: Raw scans from our professional scanner generate files with 3 to 5 million polygons. We reduce this to approximately 200,000 polygons: a resolution that preserves all the detail needed for accurate garment design and simulation while keeping your software running efficiently.
- Standard mesh cleanup: We smooth out artifacts caused by undergarments: lines, compression marks, and surface irregularities, so the mesh behaves correctly when fabric is simulated against it in software.
Add-On Options for 3D model preparation
Depending on your application, additional file preparation services are available:
- Symmetry analysis and adjustment
We compare left and right sides of the body using distance mapping and can apply adjustments where appropriate. We can deliver both a symmetrical model and an as-scanned model, useful for different stages of design and different garment types. - Additional digital sculpting
For applications that require shape modifications beyond what the scan captures. For example, adjusting the waist area for corset design or body shaper analysis: we can perform targeted sculpting on the 3D model. - Basic rigging (approximately 15–20 bones) A rigged avatar can be posed within software. Keep in mind that changing pose on a rigged scan will not precisely represent the body’s actual shape in motion unless multiple scanned poses are used. For most garment fitting applications, a static avatar is sufficient.
- Additional scanned poses captured during the same appointment.
When a rigged avatar is combined with poses that were actually scanned (rather than digitally approximated), you get more accurate representation of how the body looks and behaves in different positions. - Croquis set
A set of fashion croquis derived from the 3D model. Useful for early-stage design planning and for costume departments sketching out looks for a specific actor or client. - Shapewear and compression garment analysis
By scanning the same person with and without a shaping garment and comparing the models using distance mapping, we can quantify and visualize exactly how the garment is redistributing the body’s volume. This is useful for corset making, compression sportswear design, and theatrical body modification work.
Files Compatibility
Our scan files are delivered in .OBJ format, which is accepted by most professional pattern-making and virtual fashion software:
- CLO3D
- Gerber
- AccuMark
- TukaTech
- Optitex
- Browzwear (VStitcher)
- Marvelous Designer
- Other software that accepts .OBJ or .STL input
We use CLO3D in-house, which means we can prepare and validate your avatar file directly inside the software and address any import issues before delivery.
Note for CLO3D users: Importing a raw body scan into CLO3D requires more than simply uploading a file. The mesh needs to be cleaned and scaled correctly so the software recognizes the avatar and simulates fabric properly. We handle all of this as part of the file preparation process.
About our Digital Avatars
When the digital avatar matches the person’s body, you can see how a future garment will look on that specific person. You can fine tune the fit and the style before you cut and sew any fabric. No need to make several toiles/moke-ups/muslins/samples. You can do adjustments to the patterns and see the results in real-time.
For best results we use a professional 3D scanner to capture the person’s geometry with required accuracy and details. However, for some applications we can also work off of measurements, photos or phone scans to create a 3D model.
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