In this paper, coming out of a broader research project on how the digital prototype can be effectively integrated in the product development process of the clothing industry, the authors investigate the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Collective Actions on Sustainability and the environmental impact of the new model of fast and accelerating fashion. Extensive research was contacted with personal interviews and analysed primary data shows how new technology solutions like Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), 3D visualisation or 3D prototyping can work with and across supply chain partners to reduce the environmental footprint of their processes. The final phase of the paper involves the conceptualisation of a new apparel product development model, encompassing various digital tools which aim at addressing fit problems, extending the useful life of clothes and reducing the environmental impact of clothing in use through design and services.

A very large number of scientific papers have been published in the literature on wearable antennas of several types, structure and functionality. The main focus is always antenna efficiency from an engineering point of view. However, antenna integration into actual, realistic garments is seldom addressed. In this paper, 2D pattern and 3D virtual prototyping technology is utilized to develop regular clothing, available in the market, in which wearable antennas are incorporated in an automated manner, reducing the chances of compromising the garment elegance or comfort. The functionality of various commercial software modules is described, and particular design examples are implemented, proving the efficiency of the procedure and leading the way for more complex configurations.

3D virtual prototyping for garment development, although not much exploited and appreciated by the clothing industry in the early days of its appearance two decades ago, has now been explored (research-wise) extensively especially in the pandemic period and its impact on the whole supply chain of garments and fashion products. This virtual prototype which allows the company to visualize the status and condition of a clothing product that may be thousands of kilometers away, providing insights into how products can be better designed, manufactured, operated and serviced before companies invest in physical prototypes and assets, is often called digital twin. At the same time, laser-cut as a creative design technique on clothing materials have emerged in recent times, as fashion moguls are seeing the benefits that the technology presents. Laser cut technology with its benefits of accuracy, speed, precision, applicability in various materials, flexibility in geometry, interoperability with other systems like CAD/CAM and CIM, sustainability in resources and source of inspiration for several upcoming designers, provides an excellent approach for creating bridges between the past, the present and the future in history of fashion design. The aim of this paper was to provide a decision-making framework for the selection of an effective digital twinning process with the use of two different 3D virtual prototyping tools. For this purpose, a methodological framework is proposed which guides the creator according to the final use of the digital garment twin: evaluation of actual fit and actual representation of the produced physical, or as a shared digital asset for an exclusive digital environment.

In 3D design, digital models are created that can be manipulated in three dimensions to create realistic representations of objects and materials. Educational institutions have been increasing their integration of 3D design into fashion programs over the past decade, realizing its potential to enhance learning and better prepare students for industry demands. By scanning the relevant literature, we discovered how 3D design tools are used in fashion education to create detailed digital garments, virtual fittings, and realistic renderings. It can be argued that fashion education is being transformed by using 3D design tools to enhance students' skills and creativity. Prototyping and production can be significantly reduced in time and cost thanks to it. Promoting sustainable practices and reducing material waste. In a nutshell, 3D design integration in fashion education transforms traditional teaching methods, offering a more engaging and relevant learning experience. Fashion design courses equip students with essential skills, encourage innovation, and promote sustainable practices.

Most universities have included computer-aided design (CAD) pattern making systems education and training in their clothing technology courses in recent years, so as to respond to the actual needs of the fashion world for high-skilled fashion designers and clothing engineers. With the rapid rise in the use of open source software (OSS) in all types of applications, it is important to know if the existing OSS CAD software for garment prototyping development can successfully support the learning process. The present study compares two commercial licensed CAD systems for pattern design (Polypattern and Create) to an open source software, Seamly2D, and to Wild Ginger’s Caveo V6 programme, which runs within an OSS. In total, two licensed and two OSS systems have been evaluated in their weights in accomplishing the garment development of ten different pattern designs. The results obtained for the evaluation of a set of OS and licensed CAD systems are presented and critically discussed.