Clothing and preparation guidelines for accurate 3D body scanning

These guidelines apply whether the scan is intended for a custom dress form or for a digital avatar used in fashion design software. In both cases, the scanner captures the visible surface of the body, so proper clothing and preparation help ensure the most accurate result.

To obtain an accurate 3D body scan for a custom dress form or digital avatar, it is important to wear clothing that closely reflects the actual shape of your body.

The scanner captures the surface that it sees, whether it is skin or fabric. It cannot see underneath clothing. The technology uses regular white light (similar to a camera) and does not use X-rays or radiation.

For best results, please consider the following guidelines.

Wear Form-Fitting Foundation Garments


The most accurate scans are achieved when the body surface is clearly visible.

It is recommended to wear foundation garments or underwear that you normally wear under custom or home-sewn clothing. For women, a regular bra and panties usually provide the best result.

However, if you would like to wear undergarments with more coverage, please do not hesitate to contact us or to bring several options to your appointment. We can review them together and select the one that will produce the most accurate scan.

The ideal outfit should:

  • follow the natural shape of your body
  • not hang loose
  • not compress or distort the body


Avoid Reflective or Glossy Materials


Shiny or reflective surfaces can interfere with the scanning process. These elements make scanning more difficult and can increase scanning time.

Please try to avoid garments that include:

  • glossy fabrics
  • rhinestones
  • shiny metal links
  • reflective decorations
  • jewelry


Hair Should Be Lifted Away From the Neck


The neck must be visible from all sides for the scanner to capture its full geometry.
Hair should be pulled up or lifted away from the neck, even if it is relatively short.


Privacy During the Scanning Session


The 3D scanning appointment takes place in a private area.

The scan is conducted by a female scanning technician, and clients can prepare and change clothing in privacy before the session begins.


If Ideal Conditions Are Not Possible


We understand that the recommended preparation guidelines are not always practical for every situation.

Our team has extensive experience working with a wide range of clients, from home sewing enthusiasts to high-profile professionals and public figures.

We will do our best to adjust the scanning process as needed and still achieve a successful result.

 3D model (front view) as captured by 3D scan - before undergarment lines (crop top in this case) is removed. 
It is an example of NOT ideal foundation garment - the occlusion of the body geometry by the foundation garment is more significant than with a regular bra.
3D body model (front view) captured during the scan, before removal of undergarment lines (crop top in this example).

This illustrates a less-than-ideal foundation garment for scanning. The crop top obscures a larger portion of the body geometry compared to a regular bra. On the front of the torso, this effect is more significant because the central chest area is hidden by the garment. During post-processing, this region would need to be digitally reconstructed, requiring our technicians to estimate the underlying body shape over a relatively large area.
 3D model (back view) as captured by 3D scan - before undergarment lines (crop top in this case) is removed. 
It is an example of NOT ideal foundation garment - the occlusion of the body geometry by the foundation garment is more significant than with a regular bra.
3D model as captured by 3D scan – before undergarment lines (crop top in this case) is removed.
It is an example of NOT ideal foundation garment – the occlusion of the body geometry by the foundation garment is more significant than with a regular bra.
3D model as captured by 3D scan - before undergarment lines (bra strap in this case) is removed.
3D model as captured by 3D scan – before undergarment lines is removed. It is an example of ideal foundation garment – the occlusion of the body geometry by the foundation garment (a bra in this case) is minimal.
Back of 3D model after digital sculpting - shows smooth back as if the bra strap was not present during the body scan
3D model after undergarment lines (bra strap in this case) have been removed.