3D Virtual Prototyping of Functional Knitted Garments for Persons with Special Needs

The field of functional clothing is vast and varied, with each function having its own set of specifications, material needs, and corresponding technologies and methods. Garments for persons with special needs are part of the functional clothing category and are meant to improve the quality of life of those whose body shape, mobility or dexterity differs from the norms. Virtual prototyping of garments provides high potential for design, product development and marketing processes. This paper presents the virtual prototyping of functional knitted garments for persons with special needs (elderly people, people with disabilities, operational staff from defense/public order/security structures) highlighting the importance of personalization and its competitive advantages. The steps to develop the virtual prototypes were: i) 2D pattern design from data in the dimensional table of the model and in correlation with the real sizes of knitted garments using Pattern Design Software (PDS) from OPTITEX; ii) Simulation knitted garments prototypes on the avatar using Optitex 3D Suite Software; iii) Evaluating the fit of the product on the body. The possibility to check the aspect of the product and how it is matching on the 3D model of the human body, without requiring physical development of a prototype is the main advantage of the virtual prototypes. If the product does not fit properly on the 3D surface of 3D model (mannequin / avatar), the designer can easily modify the shapes of parts and then check the new shape by repeating the steps of 3D simulation process in virtual space.