Journal of Textile Engineering & Fashion Technology

Research Article Open Access

Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual

design for reduced environmental impact
Abstract Volume 11 Issue 3 - 2025
Fashion’s contribution to the environmental disaster is huge and continues to grow due
to excess production and waste as well as resource intensive manufacturing processes.
This study specifically looks at how 3D virtual design acts as a change agent in enabling
Department of Fashion Design & Technology (FDT), Sonargaon
practices of sustainable fashion. 3D technologies enable fashion designers to create, render
University, Bangladesh
and fit garments virtually, creating less physical samples and materials waste. This research
addresses how 3D virtual modeling shows promise in bridging the gap from prototype to Correspondence: Md. Ahshan Habib, Department of Fashion
realization in the fashion industries and lessening carbon and resource footprint. These Design & Technology (FDT), Sonargaon University, Dhaka,
practices already being more appealing through case studies and examples in the industry, Bangladesh
the tool has also lent support to this by enabling environmentally friendly practices such
as less fabric waste, less energy use and less reliance on transportation. Also, digital Received: May 25, 2025 | Published: June 06, 2025
prototyping speeds product development, results in more transparent supply chains, and
enables on-demand production with no loss of design fluidity. The results show that current
virtual 3D design practices align with ideals of sustainability and circular fashion, and can
help expand creative potential. This also blends creativity with environmental stewardship,
since clothing can be viewed and altered virtually, and there is no need for physical
resources. Hence, leveraging 3D virtual design in the marketing of sustainable fashion is a
fundamental step towards a tech savvy as well as sustainable future for the fashion industry.
There is certainly potential to increase the efficiency and creativity of the process as well
as significantly reduce the footprint of the fashion industry through this study to open the
industry up to be a more sustainable and responsible.

Keywords: sustainable fashion, 3D virtual fashion design, environmental impact, digital

prototyping, eco-conscious innovation

Introduction charge separately for these services or incorporate the cost into the
overall production pricing.4
Background
As the general public becomes more conscious of climate
The global fashion industry is a leading factor in environmental change and environmental sustainability. The fashion industry has
damage through massive amounts of water use, greenhouse gas felt similar pressures to become greener and more environmentally
emissions, and textile waste.1 Fashion design is a process where friendly. One potential answer is a shift to 3D virtual fashion design
designers take ideas from sketches to create patterns. Making patterns technologies that can minimize the environmental footprint of design
is an important process because it is the step that takes the design from and manufacturing as well as transform the process of design and
ideas to physical garments. Pattern making is the art on which the production to be efficient and sustainable.
entire process of fashion designing and garment making relies. It can
be described as a bridge between design and production. The pattern, So, the use of 3D virtual fashion design tools presents a promising
which is the “blueprint” in garment pieces, enables the designer to new alternative to legacy design processes to allow for zero-waste
“take the drawing off the page and transform it into a finished article fashion designing. Using digital technology, designers can create
of clothing”. Pattern making means to draw out the blueprint for any digital representations of their garments and samples, which minimize
garment. Patterns are what make 2D clothes fit right on a 3D body. A or eliminate the need for physical samples and fabric and other
pattern is a prototype in the fashion industry used to mark pieces of a material waste.5 It has been found that these technologies support
garment onto fabric to be cut out and assembled. Patterns are usually the incorporation of form, pattern cutting, and waste reduction more
of paper, but if a pattern must be more permanent or more capable of seamlessly into the fashion design process, as is the commitment of
withstanding repeated use, patterns may also be made of a stiff, strong the industry to sustainability.6
material such as paperboard or cardboard.2 Another way in which RTFSs (Real-Time Fashion Systems) can
Traditional clothing design and garment sampling processes are help us use 3D technologies toward the construction of a sustainable
also physically dependent and repetitive and are typically associated fashion supply chain is through the implementation of real-time fashion
with waste and resource consumption.3 Developing a product systems. Once the convergence apparel ecosystem is established,
with each company typically involves several key steps: sourcing all apparel can be bought and controlled via the Internet of Things.
materials, creating patterns, making samples, and preparing a tech RTFSs can be personalized and customized, helping to eliminate
pack. The average total cost for sampling is approximately $1,548 per overproduction and waste, using information and communication
style. Utilizing a third-party sampling service often incurs even higher technology, artificial intelligence, virtual environments, etc.7 Also,
costs. Manufacturers may also suggest modifications to materials, this system enables consumers to collaboratively develop fashion
patterns, or construction techniques during this process. Since this is products, creating a consumption model based on sustainability and
a highly skilled and time-intensive task, manufacturers usually either individuality.

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©2025 Habib et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which
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Also, software programs like CLO3D and browsers for 3D clothing us advancement of sustainability in the fashion industry.16 Figure 1
simulation allow for upcycling waste by mimicking the texture and depicts the conceptual framework of this research paper, illustrating
properties of real fabric in a virtual space. This reduces the reliance the role of 3D virtual fashion design in addressing the environmental
on classical sampling methods and encourages a more sustainable use challenges of traditional fashion design practices. It outlines the
of resources.8 fundamental benefits and challenges of implementation while framing
the key research objectives explored in this paper.
The next step on the path to sustainability is fully digital, which is
virtual fashion designing. Digital dresses could vastly mitigate these
negative physical environmental effects by eliminating the need for
physical samples and no textile material goods consumption. Though
mainstream culture has gradually been incorporating virtual reality,
virtual clothing now presents an alternative and sustainable option for
consumers wanting something new in physical clothing.9
Virtual reality can, on top of that, be used for awareness rising.
It has been shown that communicating sustainability strategies
through virtual reality (VR) can be more immersive and engaging
.Experiences such as the Fashion Footprint app immerse learners
in interactive simulations and educational experiences about the
environmental impacts of fashion and how individuals can respond
to that by choosing to become more sustainable as a mechanism for
more sustainable choices and behaviors in individuals.10 3D virtual
try-on is an innovative service, and its technology is being advanced
with continuous interest.3D virtual technologies are transforming how Figure 1 Conceptual framework: 3D virtual design for sustainable fashion.
clothing is manufactured. Virtual try-ons help the consumer co-design
by adding value to the garments as well and culminate in decreasing Research objectives
returns by 27% and it is definitely minimize overproduction of fashion
This paper aims to investigate how 3D virtual design has the
products.11
capacity to innovate sustainability in the fashion industry. In particular
The same digitization process concerns the supply chain of the study intends to:
fashion. The 3D virtual and digital (3DVD) technologies allow us to
1) Discuss the negative environmental impacts that are inherent in
dematerialize the models of the supply chains by shortening lead times
the traditional fashion designing process in juxtaposition with the
and better utilizing resources and supplies.12 As an example, Odlo,
positive impacts of utilizing 3D virtual designing technologies.
the renowned Swiss brand in the sportswear sector says 3D design
tools enable remanufacturing and circularity by preventing products 2) Examine how the use of 3D virtual design contributes to less
from reaching landfills.13 By addressing challenges like fit and supply material waste, lower carbon emissions and more efficient
chain, the paradigms for new sustainable product-creating processes production cycles and processes within the fashion design
introduced by 3D technologies enable fashion brands to operate with process.
integrity towards their environment without compromising quality
or aesthetic finesse.14 Machine learning has the potential to make 3D 3) Examine possibilities of how virtual 3D design could be leveraged
design processes more customized and personalized, which is a good to innovate the use of sustainable materials and help the transition
sign for sustainability but also for consumers’ satisfaction.15 to the use of sustainable fabrics in the process of making apparel.
4) Consider the possibilities of virtual fashion and digital garments
Rationale of the study
in curbing the need for physical clothing manufacturing and
Transitioning to 3D virtual design is a significant step towards therefore reducing clothing waste in general.
sustainable fashion. This paper explores how this technology can
5) Discuss the potential effects of 3D design tools on consumer
be involved in a process of reducing environmental impacts through
purchasing behavior in regard to virtual try-ons and customizability
material conservation, energy efficiency, and production process
as well as potential shifts in sustainability awareness and attitudes
optimization. It also points at some of the concerns that are considered
toward digital fashion.
when thinking about scaling up adoption, like a technology barrier,
a learning curve, a need for integrating within existing systems, etc. 6) Recognize obstacles and issues for the realization of 3D virtual
By stressing the affordances that 3D virtual tools provide, the study fashion design as a common practice, such as technological,
advocates for a change towards more sustainable and creative ways financial, and educational barriers.
of doing fashion. The paper also emphasizes the use of cutting-edge
fashion design software, which enables the easy creation of incredibly In accomplishing these goals the study hopes to contribute to a
realistic garment images. While the quality of virtual samples can fuller understanding of the opportunities for sustainable and “green”
vary, they are often visually sufficient to replace physical prototypes. fashion within 3D virtual design.
Digital transformation is essential not only for reducing waste in raw
materials and supplies, but also for significantly lowering sampling
Literature review
and transportation costs at the design stage. Moreover, Digital Fashion is one of the world’s most resource-intensive industries. It
transformation enhances creative possibilities within the industry. uses a lot of water, energy, and raw materials. Its output is also waste
Notable advancements are also evident in the planning and sales and pollution. Per the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the industry
of clothing, with digital technologies enabling consumers to enjoy “accounts for approximately 10% of the global carbon emissions and
both real and virtual fashion experiences, and this process will give annually uses 93 billion cubic meters of water.” Textiles are incredibly

Citation: Habib A, Ullah A, Maha MM, et al. Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact. J Textile Eng Fashion
Technol. 2025;11(3):135‒142. DOI: 10.15406/jteft.2025.11.00415
 Copyright:
Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact ©2025 Habib et al. 137

water intensive, as well necessitating land to grow cotton and other be played with digitally without the need to create any actual garments
fibers. The amount of “water for drinking 2.5 years for one person” is first. 100+ design variations in minutes, 80%increase in new design
needed to produce one cotton t-shirt: 2,700 liters of fresh water and to explorations, 50-70%ime saved in concept-to-prototype.24
manufacture. According to one lifecycle assessment, when considering
CLO 3D and other software’s Virtual Fashion’s technology allows
the production, processing, transportation, and washing of cotton, it
brands to reduce prototype costssignificantly. Traditional garment
takes 3,781 liters of water to produce one pair of jeans. The equivalent
sampling can cost up to $1,000 per sample, while CLO’s virtual
of what this process looks like is the release of about 33.4 kilograms
samples can minimize this to less than $100, resulting in an overall
of carbon equivalents, equivalent to driving 111 kilometers or
savings of up to 90% in sample production costs.19 This has been
watching 246 hours of TV big screen viewing.17 [Dyeing and finishing
shown to decrease the physical samples. 3D virtual fashion design
textiles are estimated to contribute to around 20% of the pollution
takes place via software that avatar garments on virtual models. This
of clean water worldwide. More than 500,000 tons of micro-plastics
minimizes waste and speeds the design process.6 Virtual twins simplify
are now deposited in the ocean floors annually as a result of washing
the design and production process by diminishing the need for
synthetic products. The European Environment Agency estimates that
extensive sampling. Digital prototypes eliminate up to 80% of actual
in 2020 EU purchases of textiles resulted in about 270 kg of CO₂ per
fabric waste and 50% of salesman samples, saving time, materials and
person. This means that textile products purchased and used in the
costs while also benefiting the environment.25 When it comes to the
EU embodied 121 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Each
environment, the advantages of 3D virtual fashion design are evident.
European uses and discards an average of 26 and 11 kilos of textiles
It also cuts down on fabric waste, carbon emissions from shipping
respectively per year. Used clothing can be sent to countries outside
samples, and water usage. For instance CLO 3D and Browzwear
of the EU, but is mostly (87%) sent for incineration or landfill.18 The
software allow companies to display the drape and fit of fabric without
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) states that the
the need to create multiple sample garments this can alleviate waste in
“global fashion industry produces around 92 million tons of waste
the pre-production stage and also speed decision-making about final
each year”. This problem is one that the use of 3D garment simulation
designs.26
technologies, such as those created by CLO3D Virtual Fashion, can
help to solve.19 Typically in a conventional production model 30% of Material choice represents a second important contribution of 3D
materials produced are waste. This waste can be significantly reduced virtual design to sustainability. In the virtual world, designers can trial
by using CLO’s technology, which facilitates virtual prototyping and various forms of sustainable fabrics. This enables them to experiment
therefore a more efficient design process. with how organic cotton, hemp or recycled polyester looks and
behaves, without actually having to physically test it. This type of
The entire lifecycle of the apparel, from extraction of materials, to
virtual experimentation helps promote and become used to greener
production, distribution and waste has an impact on the environment.
types of textiles.27
The problems caused by these, are now compounded by fast fashion,
which ramps up resource consumption and waste.20 Therefore, there Digital transformation and 3D virtual design
is a high necessity for sustainable alternatives in the context of both
production and consumption of fashion. The adoption of 3D virtual A promising way to lower the environmental impact of fashion
design technology is one potential way to lessen the environmental is digital transformation in the form of shifting to 3D virtual design
impact of fashion.21 The following literature review discusses the tools. With 3D design software, designers can see, sample, and edit
existing research on the application of 3D virtual design in the garments virtually instead of requiring physical samples and creating
advancement of sustainability within the fashion industry; creating physical material waste. These tools can help integrated 2D/3D
less waste, consuming less resources and encouraging greener processes and can assist in more efficient pattern making and zero
practices. Among the more hopeful advances for sustainable fashion waste design methods.6
is 3D virtual designing. It enables garment designers to construct,
Zero -waste and resource efficiency
manipulate, and view clothing in virtual space.22
3D design tools are uniquely well suited to support zero-waste
With virtual prototyping, designs can be developed at zero waste,
fashion design. These technologies allow design experimentation
and possibly ordered from the digital render. 3D visualization or 3D
with garment shape, texture, and fit in a non-physical environment,
prototyping can collaborate with and between partners in the supply
and assist in enabling a definition of the relationship between garment
chain to create less environmentally impactful processes. 3D virtual
structure and material utilization. Which creates new industrial and
prototyping is a modeling tool for clothing that enables fashion
educational paradigms to get new workflows that emphasize and
designers to virtually visualize and readily experiment with multiple
center waste lessens and resource efficiency.6
type of fabrics and patterns on a three dimensional dynamic virtual
mannequin prior to the actual manufacturing of the garment and the Sample reduction and smart manufacturing
Conventional fashion production wastes between 15 and 25% of the
cloth needed to make a garment. As well as required a large number 3D virtual fashion design can also work towards sustainable
of physical samples and materials.14 production cycles. The traditional fashion cycle is based on seasonal
collections and typically results in overproduction and surplus stock.
There are several stages within the traditional fashion design Digital samples, rather than physical samples, are made possible by
process, all of which require physical resources. The processes 3D virtual studios and design tools that use pattern data. Not only does
involved are sketching, pattern making, sample production, and this reduce cutting waste, but it also lends itself to small batch, just-in-
fitting. Fabric wastage, energy consumption, and shipping and time production models. Sustainability can also be improved through
transportation can occur at each of these stages. Air freight produces the use of digital design and modularization in smart factories, which
42 times more carbon emissions than ocean freight. In 2021, Nike allow for optimized resource use and mitigate overproduction.28
added no-rush delivery as an option athletes can select at digital
checkout.23 On the other hand, the design of 3D enables prototyping in In contrast, on-demand production is enabled through digital
a digital environment. The fit, color and movement of the design can design. Because they only make product after the product has

Citation: Habib A, Ullah A, Maha MM, et al. Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact. J Textile Eng Fashion
Technol. 2025;11(3):135‒142. DOI: 10.15406/jteft.2025.11.00415
 Copyright:
Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact ©2025 Habib et al. 138

been ordered, they have reduced inventory and avoided waste.

This improves the ability to make the supply chain responsive and
sustainable. “The reduction of samples varies from 50 to 100%,
depending on the product group. In some cases, especially with less
complex product groups, production can confidently move forward
without requiring any physical samples.” Torben Böhm, Manager of
Technical Product Development & Digital Innovation at Bonprix.
Highlight this statement.29,30 Figure 2 outlines the benefits of using3D
design technologies for the fashion brand bonprix.

Figure 4 Comparison between actual sampling, Virtual sampling and lead

Figure 2 Using 3D virtual fashion design technologies for the fashion brand time.34
bonprix.29
Remanufacturing and circularity
Cost efficiency in apparel design and manufacturing
The use of 3D fashion design software specifically is also important
3D prototyping is an affordable way for brands to streamline the for implementing remanufacturing and circular fashion. Digitizing
design and production process within the fashion industry. “According and deconstructing existing garments enables designers to test
to the Odlo’s 3D Project Leader Michaela Jauk: “Going completely develop remanufacture processes that keep clothing out of landfills
digital, in 3D technology, has given us the opportunity to reduce and contribute to the commercial viability of such processes in areas
our initial investment by 70 % and to create a more efficient design such as sportswear. This cycle of virtual and physical experimentation
process.”31 Figure 3 illustrates how the use of 3D virtual fashion design enables circularity and elongation of the life of garments27 in practice,
technologies provided substantial support to the fashion brand Odlo. it implies reducing waste to a minimum.35

Virtual and augmented reality integration

Virtual and augmented reality completely unchain 3D fashion
design from the physical world, as garments can be showcased in
online retail spaces and can be modeled in immersive, entirely digital
spaces, for example, virtual reality fashion shows. Through these
spaces, designers can present their collections in a novel format,
Figure 3 How odlo replaced photo-shoots and cut sample costs by 70% using providing customers with a more immersive and playful experience.
3D virtual fashion design technologies.31 These online showings enable buyers to very easily and quickly
imagine the clothing online. It helps them to identify the products
Faster product development the reduction in costs and connect to them. This pairing is also aligned with the novel, ever-
renewing digital world and immersive world and experience, and
Designers can improve their ideas and reduce cost by using 3D
extends the fashion show’s audience.36,37 Figure 5 portrays the role
virtual fashion design technology to create more accurate creative
of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in shaping the
designs. Integrating Browzwear 3D virtual fashion design software
future of fashion retail. The background shows a physical clothing
has transformed Oasis’s product development process. It helped
rack, opposing the traditional retail environment with the emerging
them evolve abstract ideas into tangible designs quickly, improved
digital one. The central figure is wearing a VR headset and interacting
accuracy, and made communication between teams and customers
with holographic projections of clothing items and accessories. This
much smoother. “We replaced the first prototype with a digital sample,
visually represents a virtual shopping experience.
saving 25% in quantity. The reduction of mockup experimentation
samples during the development stage, in our case, is about 33%.and
“Browzwear helps us shorten the development process, saving us
nearly a month or more, which translates to savings of 20% or more.”
says Ibrahim Ozsoy, the founder and CEO of Oasis.32

Reduced time-to-market
Rapid designing, altering, and completing of garments in a digital
setting has the potential to decrease time from design to market. Rapid
digital iterations enable designs to be refined directly, allowing for
quicker decisions, less lag time and a quicker overall production time.
This quality allows brands to react faster to trends, be more adaptive
to consumers and make a quicker turnaround for new collections.
It enhances their competitiveness and market responsiveness.33
By utilizing virtual samples and digitalizing communication, lead
time for product development is dramatically shortened is depicted
in Figure 4. Figure 5 The role of AR and VR in shaping the future of fashion retail.36

Citation: Habib A, Ullah A, Maha MM, et al. Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact. J Textile Eng Fashion
Technol. 2025;11(3):135‒142. DOI: 10.15406/jteft.2025.11.00415
 Copyright:
Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact ©2025 Habib et al. 139

Personalization and consumer involvement projected to reach some $12.094billion by 2028, growing at a rate of
9.49% approximately, during the forecast period. It is also estimated
3D body scanning, virtual try-on technology, and AI-initiated that by 2030, the market can reach about$33.05 billion. Sustainable
design processes are making fashion more independent by engaging fashion, specifically, is becoming more popularized, especially among
consumers directly in the designing process. The combination of younger generations and is on track to become more than 6% of the
virtual fit prediction and the use of customized avatar technology total fashion market, thereby becoming as important keyword for
means that garments are made to suit individuals, solving the issues brands moving ahead.16,41 The global sustainable fashion market size
of excess production as well as lack of satisfaction for the product. in 2024 was estimated to be USD 9.22 billion, with projections to
The result is a better fitting product as well as a more conscious use of grow to USD 20.84 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 9.49% during the
the product and potentially a longer use phase.38 forecast period. Europe has been a leader in the field of sustainable
Digital fashion and metaverse fashion market share. Sustainable fashion, also known as eco-fashion
or ethical fashion, is “a process, a movement, an idea” in fashion that
Fashion brands are gradually developing clothes that are only seeks to mitigate both environmental and social impacts of clothing
available digitally (3D clothing for avatars or social media). Designers and accessories throughout their entire life cycle.41
in the metaverse industry make virtual clothing with no fabric or
carbon costs. Brands can present new looks during digital fashion Zero-waste fashion design and the role of 3D virtual
weeks with no physical waste. The Fabricant and other pioneers technology
promote a “sustainable digital fashion” model in which couture is just
Zero-waste fashion design focuses on preventing textile waste,
made of pixels. Regardless, this pattern demonstrates how 3D design
rather than reducing it, by innovating ways of making patterns,
may separate creativity from consumerism.39
cutting and assembling garments. This sustainable design concept
Upcycling and sustainable material use is to be as resourceful as possible with the fabric, to develop the
prints as much as possible within the garments themselves with
Upcycling is made easier by 3D simulation programs like Clo 3D little to no waste. Zero-waste design aims more closely align with
and browzwear virtual fashion designing software’s let the designer the sustainable potential uses of 3D virtual technologies. Software
make virtual apparel out of scrap clothing and other scarce materials. applications such as CLO 3D, Browzwear and many more enable
By making it simpler to visualize and maximize the use of existing designers to conceptualize, modify and visualize garments within an
resources, these technologies assist in overcoming the difficulties entirely virtual environment that has no physical reality. Patterns can
associated with sample manufacturing in upcycling. The practical be created digitally, 3D draping can be realistically previewed and
use of these technologies in the manufacture of sustainable fashion pattern fit can be assessed in real-time directly on the virtual avatar,
is supported by the similarities between virtual and actual fabrics.40 without the need to cut or waste any physical fabric.2 Also, 3D virtual
AI and predictive design design allows designers to experiment with and improve a layout, thus
facilitating the design of more efficient and fabric-saving designs. This
Advanced 3D platforms now tie into AI for demand forecasting has a much smaller environmental impact than traditional sampling
and design automation. By simulating sales with digital prototypes, and prototyping, which often includes several physical samples. Plus,
companies can predict the most popular designs and only produce virtual fashion design offers the possibility of on-demand production
those. AI-driven 3D tools also optimize material usage for minimal or small-batch production, as brands can preview designs in the
waste. This data-driven approach complements circular economy digital environment before committing to their physical production.
efforts. Fashion AI is projected to grow from $239 million in 2021 3D virtual technologies play an important role in enabling zero-waste
to $1.22 billion by 2026, or a CAGR of 39.9%. CLO Virtual Fashion goals in fashion by reducing excess stock, sample waste and smarter
deploys AI in fabric simulation and design process automation, with design decisions.
an estimated 30% decrease in time to market.19
Methodology
Real-time fashion systems and supply chain innovation
Research Design
The fashion supply chain is shifting with the implementation
of real-time fashion systems (RTFS), involving 3D production, AI, The research methodology adopted in this study is a mixed-methods
and information communication technology. They offer production research approach, which incorporates qualitative and quantitative
on-demand and customized, which shortens lead times, inventory research methods to investigate the possibilities of 3D virtual design
and waste. 3D services that automate and independent the tailoring to help decrease the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.
of products contribute to a fashion system that is more sustainable This frames a holistic understanding into the potential role of digital
and responsive also.7 By utilizing virtual samples and digitalizing technologies in advancing sustainability in fashion.
communication, lead time for product development is dramatically
shortened. As product planning can be delayed as much as possible,
Data collection
the latest trends can be reflected more accurately, improving The main focus of the data collected is to provide insight into the
the forecasting accuracy of product demand. Bargain sales and current state of manual fashion designing, pattern-making, sample
opportunity loss can be reduced while profits are maximized. This making and the use of 3D virtual fashion design software in the
leads to sustainability because it reduces the number of unsold garment industry. The study is mainly based on Secondary data. Data
products that are discarded. came from these peer reviewed journals, industry reports, websites
portals focusing on the specific clothes and garment industry, the
Market size of sustainable fashion official web clo3D site, and websites portals that assist and support
As of 2022 the global market of sustainable fashion was valued information for clo3D and sustainability frameworks to give context
at a little over $7.021 billion, according to Business Research. It is to the technological and eco aspects. These multiple sources of data

Citation: Habib A, Ullah A, Maha MM, et al. Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact. J Textile Eng Fashion
Technol. 2025;11(3):135‒142. DOI: 10.15406/jteft.2025.11.00415
 Copyright:
Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact ©2025 Habib et al. 140

capture the totality of the impacts of 3D designs within the virtual Innovation in sustainable material use
space on sustainability.
The 3D design software enables new possibilities for working with
Case study review: The case studies review these shows examples of sustainable materials, perhaps not even needing physical samples of
how the use of 3D design has been applied and proven in real world them. Software like CLO3D digital libraries of sustainable materials,
situations to reduce environmental impact. such as recycled polyester and organic cotton, affords designers a
virtual experience with materials. By doing so, they advocate for the
Literature review: Conduct a systematic literature review on existing
use of sustainable textiles at the inception of the design process and
studies on virtual and sustainable fashion; the intersection of these
ultimately help begin to transition fashion into using more sustainable
concepts, and the environmental advantages of virtual garments.
materials.
Data analysis
Virtual fashion and reducing physical garment demand
Qualitative data: The qualitative data gathered through interviews
So, virtual fashion also impacts physical garment production.
and case studies will be analyzed using thematic analysis to ascertain
Digital clothing are used not only as marketing and advertising tools,
prominent themes regarding the advantages and disadvantages of 3D
but also social media and even entirely digital collections. These
virtual design within sustainable fashion.
digital clothes provide a waste-free alternative to provide consumers
Conduct statistics: Use statistics on data collected via the secondary with the experience of fashion. In particular, this practice is common
sources to evaluate 3D virtual design within the fashion industry and within influencer and marketing circles, where the spectacle of
how it may create less material waste, energy use and a smaller carbon presence is prioritized over the presence of things.
footprint than traditional design.
The Virtual Fashion collection, depicted in Figure 6 and Figure 7,
The methodology presented here is a means to thinking through gives a complete look at an individual garment and dress.
the role of 3D virtual design technology toward a meaningful future
for sustainable fashion. The approach documented here provides
a framework for investigating the participants in 3D virtual space
in the context of sustainable fashion. Combining qualitative and
quantitative approaches, the hope is to generate useful knowledge for
understanding how digital technologies have the potential to be an
environmentally sustainable practice within the fashion industry. By
means of interviews, case studies, and creating VR applications, this
study aspires to support the arguments for the use of 3D virtual design
in order to reach a more sustainable future for fashion.

Results
The influence of 3D virtual design on sustainability with in the
fashion industry was explored in this study. The findings are from
secondary data, interviews and three case studies of fashion brands
employing 3D technology. Results are presented in line with the six
primary research goals.

Environmental impact: traditional vs. 3D design

The impact of traditional fashion processes on the natural
environment is largely diminished by moving to 3D virtual fashion Figure 6 The virtual fashion collection (Created by the author).
design. This physical sampling process is very environmentally
expensive, as the conventional design process waste fabric water and
energy. Using 3D virtual tools, brands can also reduce material waste
by 30% and carbon emissions associated with physical prototyping.
Digital sampling has been evidenced to provide company like Nike
and The Fabricant with measurable reductions in environmental
impact.

Reduction of material waste, carbon emissions, and

production efficiency
The findings of this study show the potential role of CLO3D and
similar 3D modeling tools in waste and carbon emission reduction.
As samples are digital, this also means that designers can 3D model
garments and manipulate them, rather than needing, for example,
numerous physical fabric samples. Translation: Less unused fabric
and energy. In other cases, the carbon footprint for shipping samples
was more than 60% lower. 3D design also reduces the cycle of
production as updates are easier to implement and time to shelf from
market can be shortened.
Figure 7 The virtual fashion collection (Created by the author).

Citation: Habib A, Ullah A, Maha MM, et al. Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact. J Textile Eng Fashion
Technol. 2025;11(3):135‒142. DOI: 10.15406/jteft.2025.11.00415
 Copyright:
Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact ©2025 Habib et al. 141

Changes in consumer behavior design before cutting and production, some reports saying the option
can save up to 80% of fabric waste. Digital samples also remove the
Consumer purchasing attitudes have been positively influenced carbon footprint of shipping and transport of samples. As expressed
by virtual try-ons as well as customizable avatars. Some brands with CLO 3D and Browzwear the obvious environmental benefit of
that currently use the technology for virtual 3D try-ons have seen these programs is that they open the opportunity to design garments
declines of around 20-40% in returning items because customers without having to produce physical samples, therefore eliminating
get better perceptions of fittings and how the item will look on them material waste and energy cost.
before they commit to a purchase. This turnaround pushes for more
aware consumption and reinforces the development of alternative, Utilizing 3D design also allows for more sustainable materials
sustainable fashion options. to be used more efficiently. Fabrics like organic cotton or recycled
polyester can be tested virtually rather than physically. This also helps
Barriers to adoption advocate for the use of greener materials from the very beginning of
The advantages are optimistic, but, there are a few barriers to mass the design process, thus greenery the industry. Also, virtual apparel
adopting 3D virtual fashion design. High prices of software, lack of design enables agile production models that accommodate on-demand
knowledge, and technical capabilities are some of the biggest issues production and help prevent overproduction waste problem.
faced by small and medium sized business. In addition to setbacks due There are challenges to using 3D design, but. But, expensive
to resistance from designers operating in more traditional ways, not software, some designers’ limited digital literacy, and resistance to
having the appropriate type of technical infrastructure in some areas change are still major challenges preventing the wide adoption of
also poses limitations of mass digital applications. this practice itself. Accessing the required technology and training
Thematic summary of key results is further problematic for small and medium enterprises. But, case
studies of brands such as Bonprix and Oasis reveal the possibilities for
Research objective Key findings successful implementation of 3D Design with regards to sustainability
3D design reduces sample waste and and operational efficiency.
Evaluate traditional vs. 3D
energy use, leading to lower carbon
design environmental impact In conclusion, 3D virtual design holds great potential for
footprints
transforming the fashion industry into a more sustainable sector.
Digital sampling cuts fabric use; virtual By reducing waste, minimizing carbon emissions, and enabling
Investigate 3D design's role
collaboration avoids energy-intensive more sustainable material choices, it offers a pathway to a greener,
in waste/emission reduction
shipping
more efficient fashion industry. However, overcoming the barriers to
Digital libraries enable eco-friendly adoption will require ongoing investment in technology, education,
Assess innovation in
textile experimentation without and industry-wide collaboration.
sustainable fabric usage
material waste
Examine virtual fashion’s Digital-only garments reduce physical Conclusion
effect on physical garment production needs, especially in online
production marketing contexts
This study also revealed the potential for 3D virtual fashion design
to enact a sustainable paradigm change within the fashion industry.
Analyze consumer behavior Virtual try-ons improve fit accuracy, It is found that waste reduction, lower energy requirements, and
related to virtual garments reduce return rates, and promote more direct production processes are some of the ways in which
and try-ons conscious consumption digital fashion design technologies can, quite expressively, lessen
High costs, lack of training, and their environmental footprint. These benefits are also commensurate,
Identify adoption barriers
(technology, cost, education)
traditional mindsets remain significant and ultimately oriented towards, reducing the ecological footprint
implementation barriers of the industry and encouraging more conscious consumption. The
differences between conventional design processes and 3D virtual
Discussion processes showed that virtual prototyping can reduce or even
The findings of this study reinforce the potential of 3D virtual eliminate physical sample-making and consequent textile waste.
design to serve as a powerful catalyst for sustainability in the fashion Further, digital approvals and live time collaboration tools were also
industry. By reducing reliance on physical samples, brands are able to reported to lower the carbon footprint of shipping and transportation.
limit resource consumption, decrease waste generation, and adopt more These results can be seen as benefits from the cleaner, quicker and
agile design processes. The environmental savings associated with 3D more efficient production cycles enabled by 3D virtual designs.
prototyping align with broader sustainability goals, particularly those 3D design was also highlighted to aid in the specification and
related to carbon footprint reduction and waste minimization. assessment of sustainable materials. Digital fabric libraries and
The move to 3D virtual design within the fashion industry raises simulation and rendering tools allow designers to try out “green”
important sustainable issues which are solutions to a mounting fabrics in a virtual environment, without requiring actual fabric
environmental crisis rooted in the established ways of producing swatches. Plus, technologies such as virtual try-ons and digital
fashion. The traditional fashion industry has an excessive water, clothing are starting to change consumer habits by allowing
energy, and raw material use, as well as pollution and waste. While in- people to purchase more mindfully and consciously, using realistic
person 3D design and sampling requires making physical samples, 3D representations to preview garments interactively and accurately.
digital design to make and practice garments virtually dramatically There are some challenges to a broad adoption of 3D virtual design,
minimizes the need for samples and waste. but. Important obstacles are posed by high software costs, lack of
access to training, and the fear of or lack of will towards technological
The reduction of material waste is one of the most important change, particularly in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
benefits of 3D virtual design. This leads to waste, as in traditional Overcoming these challenges is important in order to help wider
fashion sampling process, wastes up to 25% of the fabric. But, if adoption within the sector.
digital prototypes are used, designers can see and make changes to the

Citation: Habib A, Ullah A, Maha MM, et al. Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact. J Textile Eng Fashion
Technol. 2025;11(3):135‒142. DOI: 10.15406/jteft.2025.11.00415
 Copyright:
Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact ©2025 Habib et al. 142

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Citation: Habib A, Ullah A, Maha MM, et al. Advancing sustainable fashion through 3D virtual design for reduced environmental impact. J Textile Eng Fashion
Technol. 2025;11(3):135‒142. DOI: 10.15406/jteft.2025.11.00415