Introducing LTP 3D For Increased Precision and Sustainability

May 2022

The Technology Transforming the Apparel Industry

3D design has been used across a range of industries, such as automotive design, architecture and interior design for several years, but now, an increasing number of forward-thinking apparel brands are implementing the technology. Known to reduced sampling times and minimal waste. 3D design provides a key opportunity for brands to cut back on sampling, and create precision fits in less time.  

LTP, image source www.ltpgroup.com

By allowing designers, buyers and even customers alike to see garments in 3D, they can visualise everything from colourways, graphic placements and engineered print layouts, through to fabric drape and movement - changing all of these at the click of a mouse. Moving design and development to 3D processes, users can cut their lead times from an average of 37 days, to just 27 hours. In addition, by eliminating the need for so many steps in a product's creation, from design to tech pack, to development, garment tech and wear testing - the process becomes more succinct, in turn giving the creator more control and visibility over the final product.  

With sustainability a priority for brands and customers, 3D design also has the potential to help designers to cut back on sampling and shipping, without affecting the speed to market. Elisa Tonda, Head of the Consumption and Production Unit at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) warns

“The global production of clothing and footwear generates 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. If we carry on with a business-as-usual approach, the greenhouse gas emissions from the industry are expected to rise by almost 50% by 2030.”

By moving to 3D processes brands are able to cut out a number of prototype stages, needing only a final prototype if they wish to see a physical sample, and in turn reducing their carbon impact.  As Alex Ingildsen, CCO at LTP Group states

“It’s important to choose production partners who are able to work with you to achieve your 3D designs and products. At LTP we’re practised in working with virtual reality software to make performance and apparel designs come to life. Today we launch this initiative globally”

LTP, image source www.ltpgroup.com

Partner with LTP to digitise the Design Process

LTP are able to offer 3D possibilities across the sport, outdoor and fashion markets with abilities that cover the creation of avatars, through to animating designs. At LTP the team are focused on 3D design for 2 main reasons. One the reduction of fabric waste from manufacturing through optimised cutting and the creation of less physical samples. Secondly the process is used to identify stress points for reinforced construction ultimately leading to the creation of more durable garments.

Cutting down on sampling can seem counterintuitive for the outdoor and sportswear industry where fit and wear testing are so key in ensuring a garment performs well, whether for cycling or yoga. However, the possibilities of 3D design allow for LTP to work with you in creating a range of poses, from bike pose to climbing, that allow for users to see the fit and movement of the garment ‘in situ’. By creating fit maps, LTP are also able to highlight areas of stress in a tight fitting garment, which in turn can help foresee and pre-emptively resolve potential problems in construction. The unique bodies of athletes differ across sports, LTP are therefore able to work with you and your current fit models to create bespoke avatars with proportions inline with your market.

LTP, image source www.ltpgroup.com

With graphics and print a key feature for team kits, and an up-trending detail of active and outdoor apparel, LTP’s technology can quickly scale up designs to ensure placements are correct and print designs scalable. Another key area that can be specified and personalised is fabric usage, both knit and woven constructions can be interpreted to show weight, structure, drape and sheen in realistic 3D renderings, helping brands to make the final choice without requiring dual protos.  

This attention to detail and the lifelike abilities of 3D design offers a key opportunity to get buy-in ahead of physical sampling. This allows decisions to be made quicker, designs to be more responsive to the market needs and to dramatically cut down on waste, providing suppliers with a final tech pack and pattern ready for production.  

Having partnered with a wealth of sportswear brands, LTP understands the needs of the active market and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can support you in exploring the benefits of 3D design.

LTP, image source www.ltpgroup.com