Background: Advancements in 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems have significantly transformed apparel display, enabling the simulation of garment movement with remarkable realism (Gonzalez, 2022; Dal Forno et al., 2023). These systems aim to replicate the dynamics of clothing in motion, potentially enhancing digital interactions between consumers and fabric. However, there exists a notable gap in understanding how these fabric motion simulations effectively convey clothing movement to viewers (Sun & Zhao, 2018). Specifically, the impact of adjusting digital replicas' virtual properties on viewer perceptions has been insufficiently explored. To address this research gap, this study investigates the visual-tactile perceptions elicited by 3D apparel motion simulations to improve how clothing movement is presented to potential audiences. Method: All 3D apparel simulations and animated videos for this study were created using CLO software (Versions 7.1 and 7.3). CLO was selected over other popular 3D apparel CAD programs due to its superior adaptability to external files and reliable animation capabilities. Fashion and textile students were chosen as participants due to their familiarity with clothing and textiles through academic coursework, which enriched the quality of discussion data with their detailed descriptions of fabric and apparel. Their interest in online shopping and innovative apparel displays aligned well with the study's objectives (Jeong et al., 2009). A pilot focus group study was conducted first to evaluate the feasibility of the purposive sampling method and qualitative exploration approach. In the pilot study, four participants joined a onehour Zoom session, viewing six videos featuring virtual apparel simulations with a broad range of fabrics, colors, and avatar movements (see Figure 1). The primary study included two online focus groups with 15 student participants in total. They were shown six sets of videos showcasing three CLO virtual fabric properties (stretch & shear, bending, and density) with contrasting values to examine their influence on perceptions of clothing movement (Luible & Magnenat-Thalmann, 2007; Kuijpers et al., 2020; Ju & Choi, 2020; CLO, 2023). These videos, demonstrating the virtual fabric capabilities (Figure 2) and featuring a female avatar in activewear (Figure 3), facilitated rich discussions. At the start of each focus group, participants answered two general questions about their experiences with evaluating activewear online and their familiarity with 3D simulations in online shopping. Afterward, they were shown the simulation videos in a predetermined order. Participants could request replays to better assess the visuals. The discussion ended with how the simulation influenced their perceptions of apparel mobility and comfort. The interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Pilot Study Results: In the pilot study, connections were found between the fabric performance estimation and the visual features highlighted. Participants commented, "It's not like a pure white… (black points or blue points) makes me feel it's the holes on the fabric", and "I think the thinner one should be more flexible and more breathable than the thick one", indicating that fabric texture may influence the perception of breathability. The discussion also suggested that clear fabric texture increased participants' visual impression of fabric

While 3D apparel CAD shows promise for advancing dynamic clothing displays, limited empirical evidence exists on whether digital twins accurately reflect consumer perceptions, particularly visual-tactile sensations. This study examines the relationship between virtual fabric parameters and consumer perceptions, focusing on descriptors including flexibility, supportiveness, and comfort. A Maxdiff Conjoint survey with 96 participants was used to evaluate eight CLO virtual fabric variants, manipulated in three fabric parameters: stretch and shear, bending, and density. Findings suggest that perceived flexibility significantly influences comfort assessment, with smooth, flexible fabrics rated as more comfortable but less supportive. Further analysis reveals that optimal comfort is associated with a combination of low bending, stretch, and shear properties coupled with high density. This research provides valuable insights for 3D apparel designers, emphasizing the importance of accurate fabric mechanical property simulation to enhance virtual clothing realism.

Ensuring proper sizing and fit for U.S. female firefighters’ personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) is a crucial challenge for researchers and manufacturers. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes design and performance standards in the U.S., with NFPA 1977 specifying sizing guidelines for wildland firefighting gear. However, the absence of an anthropometric database representing female firefighters limits the effectiveness of these standards. This research evaluates the effectiveness of NFPA 1977 sizing system by investigating whether correlated body measurements maintain internal consistency and provide data-driven recommendations for improvement. Anthropometric data from 187 U.S. female firefighters were analyzed to assess the 2016 and 2022 NFPA 1977 upper and lower torso sizing systems. Correlation analysis was performed between body measurements and corresponding sizes. Contingency tables presented proportion of participants accommodated. Results indicated significant correlations between chest and wrist measurements and sizes in the upper torso, though these were the only available measurements. In the lower torso, hip size strongly correlated with thigh and knee sizes. However, the system inadequately accommodates female firefighters with larger waist and hip measurements. Furthermore, rise sizes demonstrated inconsistent, weak relationships with hip circumference. Overall, the NFPA 1977 sizing requires revision to better serve U.S. female firefighters.