How can you evaluate the fit and comfort of your fashion designs?

1 Use a fitting model

A fitting model is a person who has the same measurements and body shape as your target customer. They can help you test how your garments fit on a real human body, rather than a mannequin or a flat pattern. You can use a fitting model to check for issues such as gaping, wrinkling, pulling, sagging, or pinching, and to adjust the seams, darts, hems, or closures accordingly. You can also ask your fitting model for feedback on how comfortable they feel in your garments, and how easy or difficult they are to put on and take off.

2 Conduct a wear test

A wear test is a method of evaluating the fit and comfort of your fashion designs over a period of time, usually a few hours or days. You can ask your fitting model, or a group of volunteers who match your target customer profile, to wear your garments in different situations and settings, such as walking, sitting, working, or socializing. You can then observe how your garments perform in terms of durability, flexibility, breathability, and functionality. You can also collect feedback from the wear testers on how they feel about your garments, and what they like or dislike about them.

3 Apply ergonomic principles

Ergonomics is the science of designing products to fit the human body and its movements. By applying ergonomic principles to fashion designs, you can improve the fit and comfort of garments, as well as their aesthetic appeal. Consider aligning seams with the body’s natural curves and contours, providing enough ease and stretch for the wearer to move freely, selecting fabrics and materials suitable for the intended use and climate of the garment, and incorporating features that enhance functionality and usability, such as pockets, zippers, buttons, or snaps.