An investigation of the assessment of fabric drape using three-dimensional body scanning

Abstract

This investigation explores how information on air gaps obtained from three-dimensional (3D) body scanning can be used to evaluate the drape of fabrics. Three-dimensional images of draped fabrics differing in physical and mechanical properties were acquired through 3D body scanning and the air gap distances and distribution between the outside edge of a cylinder and the fabric determined. Results demonstrate an inverse relationship between the overall average air gap distance and the amount of fabric drape. Findings were also compared to drape data obtained from the traditional cantilever and drapemeter methods. Not only does the 3D body scanning approach provide a measure of the degree of fabric drape but can also provide a more complete description of drape compared to traditional methods, as information about a fabric's draped appearance along the entire length of the fabric can also be obtained.