[pageLogInLogOut]

#Research & Development

Digital material parameters for a realistic 3D simulation

Precise digital material parameters are the key to the successful use of 3D technologies in the apparel industry. Hohenstein digitises the properties of textile fabrics for brands, clothing manufacturers and their suppliers. The Hohenstein data is compatible with common software systems and is available in all required file formats. Companies are thus able to carry out realistic 3D simulations and optimise their processes in design, product development and product communication. This saves resources and shortens the time until the collections are launched on the market.

In laboratory procedures specially adapted for 3D simulation, the Hohenstein experts use fabric samples to determine the material's physical characteristics such as weight, thickness, stiffness and stretch. This is followed by testing of the fold volume and shape using a drapemeter. The results are converted into the various file formats of the 3D simulation systems so that the digital material parameters are available in the appropriate file format for each customer. Upon request, Hohenstein also simulates the associated draping images in 3D to visualize the specific draping behavior of the tested material for the customer. That way, digital prototypes can be created that subsequently accelerate the approval processes and require significantly less material when making real prototypes for production.

The digitization of material parameters is also possible for accessories such as (elastic) ribbons, zips or buttons. © Hohenstein
The digitization of material parameters is also possible for accessories such as (elastic) ribbons, zips or buttons. © Hohenstein


Determining the draping behavior using a drapemeter is an important parameter for the realistic 3D simulation of textile fabrics. © Hohenstein
Determining the draping behavior using a drapemeter is an important parameter for the realistic 3D simulation of textile fabrics. © Hohenstein


Optimized digital material parameters enable a realistic 3D simulation of properties such as the texture or opacity of clothing fabrics used. © Hohenstein
Optimized digital material parameters enable a realistic 3D simulation of properties such as the texture or opacity of clothing fabrics used. © Hohenstein

 

As an accredited laboratory for the comprehensive quality testing of textiles, Hohenstein combines many years of expertise in traditional garment fit development with digital technologies. In addition, the Hohenstein Academy offers numerous workshops about pattern development and 3D fitting.

More information:

https://digital-fitting-lab.hohenstein.com 

https://www.hohenstein-academy.com/en/


Contact address for clothing companies:

digitalfittinglab@hohenstein.com.

On request, Hohenstein also creates draping images in 3D in order to clearly visualize the specific draping behavior of the tested material for customers. © Hohenstein
On request, Hohenstein also creates draping images in 3D in order to clearly visualize the specific draping behavior of the tested material for customers. © Hohenstein


More News from Hohenstein Institute

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Global size study for brands and retailers to optimize fit and market coverage

Hohenstein Apparel Fit Solutions, a global leader in apparel fit, sizing, and product development, today announces the launch of its Global Size Study, a new initiative designed to equip brands to better understand and serve their target consumers through more accurate, market-relevant sizing.

#Sustainability

A new standard to combat plastic waste in forests

With DIN SPEC 35808 “Tree Shelter for Forestry Applications,” the testing and research service provider Hohenstein, in collaboration with Rottenburg University of Forestry, as well as forestry authorities and industry partners, has established a clear framework for bio-based and fully biodegradable tree shelters. The pre-standard defines requirements and practical testing methods designed to reduce plastic waste in forests and strengthen the long-term protection of soil and the environment.

#Research & Development

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

#Research & Development

New DIN SPEC assesses environmental impact of textile fragments in soil

Textile products made from synthetic fibres, finished fabrics or dyed materials release fibre fragments into the environment at every stage of their life cycle. With the new DIN SPEC 19296, Hohenstein has developed a standardised testing method to analyse how these fragments behave in soil under natural conditions. Until now, little was known about their environmental behaviour or potential ecological effects once released.

More News on Research & Development

#Research & Development

180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

For 180 years, TESTEX has developed alongside the textile industry while maintaining the same underlying purpose: creating trust through independent and reliable measurement. Founded in Zurich in 1846 as the Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute, TESTEX has grown from a local institution serving the silk trade into an international Swiss testing and certification institute for textiles and leather.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Moving Advanced Recycling from Innovation to Implementation

The Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 explores technologies, markets, financing and scale-up of innovative recycling solutions for waste streams including mixed plastic waste, textiles and PVC. Europe’s chemical and materials sector faces growing pressure to close carbon loops, strengthen raw-material safety and resilience and meet increasingly ambitious EU recycling targets. Against this backdrop, the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) will bring together industry leaders, technology providers, researchers, innovators and policy-makers on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany.

#Research & Development

Reducing development times for technical textiles by accelerated thermo-oxidative aging in a high-pressure autoclave

Synthetic polymers used in technical textiles can be effectively protected against degradation caused by heat, oxygen, and water through the use of stabilizer systems. This enables service lives of several decades, extending to more than 50 years. As the use of durable technical textiles continues to grow, so does the demand for reliable methods to predict their service life within economically feasible testing periods. For the first time the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) developed methods for robust service life prediction for textiles in an IGF research project.

#Research & Development

ITA has developed a washable digital smart jacket with real-time feedback and an AI-powered app for rehabilitation

As part of the PhysioTaix research project, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University is developing a digital smart jacket with integrated sensors. The jacket is washable and reusable; it tracks movements during rehabilitation exercises in real time and transmits the data to an app.

Latest News

#Knitting & Hosiery

KARL MAYER invites the Global Textile Industry to celebrate its 90th anniversary at its German Headquarters in 2027

KARL MAYER is turning its anniversary year 2027 into a milestone for the textile sector. To mark its 90th anniversary, the industry leader is inviting customers, partners, and experts from around the world to a unique event series in September aimed at pushing boundaries, unlocking new opportunities, and jointly setting the course for a new era in textiles – just as KARL MAYER has done throughout its history. The company’s headquarters in Obertshausen, near Frankfurt, is the place to be.

#Associations

ITMF names three winners of the Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026

Three projects from the UK, Korea and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026. The projects address textile-to-textile recycling, chemical recycling for automotive textiles and a regenerative approach combining silk production with ecological restoration.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

nova-Institute launches groundbreaking Advanced Recycling Database for strategic market insight

The new Advanced Recycling Database reduces complexity by providing industry stakeholders with up-to-date expert-reviewed intelligence on companies, technologies, plants, capacities, locations, products and partnerships across the global advanced recycling landscape.

#Yarns

Durak Maxibalance thread supports users’ movement and balance comfort

Durak Tekstil, a leading brand in its industry, has developed Durak Maxibalance, a new product engineered with bio-ceramic and FAR IR technology. Ushering in a new era for sportswear, activewear, and medical textiles, this technology offers features designed to support balance and movement comfort by reflecting the energy absorbed from the body back into it.

TOP