Embrace diversity in fashion with inclusive pattern making11 min read

Summary 

• Inclusive design makes fashion more diverse. This also applies to the pattern making process.
• This used to be a big challenge for a long time. But now, technology is here to make everything easier and better.
• Experience the future of fashion with Audaces360. Start your free trial now! 

Fashion is for everyone. People come in different shapes, sizes, backgrounds and clothing should reflect that. 

For years, the fashion industry catered to a narrow range of body types. As a result, many people struggled to find clothes that fit properly. While this is shifting today, there’s still work to do. 

Being in charge of pattern making for your brand, you have an important role to play in this progress. You will learn how in the next paragraphs of our article. 

Happy reading! 

Why is it important to design garments with diversity in fashion in mind? 

When you design with diversity in mind, clothing becomes more inclusive and accessible. And that means your brand will embrace all kinds of people and bodies, without excluding anyone. 

For a long time, the lack of diversity in fashion left many people out. Standard sizing did not work for everyone, making shopping difficult for those who did not fit the norm. 

However, awareness, innovation, and creativity have the power to change this. When designers think beyond traditional standards, they create better options. New materials, adjustable fits, and fresh ideas help meet different needs. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just words. They shape the future of fashion. Brands that embrace these values connect with more people and fashion becomes richer, representing the real life. 

Learn more: Discover the current landscape of the fashion market and how to stay competitive 

What is diversity in fashion? 

Diversity in fashion means representing all people. It includes different body types, ages, genders, and abilities. Clothes should fit real lives, not just industry standards. 

But diversity and inclusivity go beyond size. They also include cultural influences, adaptive designs, and unisex styles. This approach makes fashion more open and welcoming. 

Today, consumer demand is pushing brands to do better. People want clothing that reflects who they are. They expect more choices and better representation. 

In this context, fashion brands must listen and evolve. Those that embrace diversity build stronger connections and become leaders in a competitive market. 

Learn more: What is the importance of a plus-size sizing chart for your brand? 

4 garment types that embrace diversity in fashion 

Some garments go beyond trends and serve real needs. These designs focus on comfort, adaptability, and expression. 

Investing in inclusive fashion is a long-term commitment that benefits brands and consumers. 

1) Accessible garments for diverse abilities 

People with disabilities often struggle to find clothes that are easy to wear. Buttons, zippers, and tight fits can be challenging. Adaptive fashion helps by using Velcro, magnets, and stretch fabrics. 

Certain brands have understood the pressing nature of this need and are now creating stylish and functional items. Details such as adjustable waists, one-handed closures, and seamless designs enhance comfort.  

Industry professionals play a key role in this shift. Designers, brands, and retailers must work together. 

Learn more: 4 mistakes you should avoid in clothing fit 

2) Garments for mature people

Fashion often ignores older people. Many designs focus on younger generations, but people of all ages want to dress well and feel comfortable. 

As bodies change with age, clothing needs to adapt. Soft fabrics, easy closures, and supportive fits matter. Just as maintaining style does. 

More brands are finally recognizing this need. They are creating pieces that blend elegance with practicality and standing out. 

3) Agender garments 

Traditional fashion separates clothing by gender. However, not everyone fits into these categories. In this scenario, agender garments offer a neutral approach to style. 

These clothes focus on comfort and versatility. Loose fits, simple cuts, and neutral colors make them adaptable. Anyone can wear them, regardless of gender identity. 

More people are looking for styles that reflect who they are. This shift is helping fashion become more expressive. 

4) Size-inclusive garments 

Finding well-fitting clothes can be hard for many people. Standard sizing does not work for everyone. Size-inclusive garments help by offering more options. 

Brands are now expanding their size ranges. They use stretch fabrics, adjustable features, and smart tailoring. This makes clothing more comfortable and flattering. 

When more people find clothes that fit, they feel confident. And this is what fashion is about: celebrating all body types, not just a few.

Tired of manual pattern making eating up all your time? Make the digital leap and reclaim your workday! Our whitepaper has all the answers. Download your free copy now:

Brands already embracing diversity in fashion 

• Savage X Fenty: Rihanna’s lingerie brand is famous for its inclusive sizing and diverse representation in its campaigns.
• Universal Standard: a leader in size inclusivity, offering a range of stylish clothing in sizes 00 to 40.
• Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive: this line focuses on creating adaptive clothing for people with disabilities, incorporating features like easy closures and adjustable fits.
• ASOS: the online retailer has made efforts to expand its size range and feature models of diverse backgrounds and body types.
• TomboyX: this brand sells gender-neutral underwear, catering to a wide range of body types.
• Wray: its focus in creating stylish and comfortable clothing for curvier women, with a wide range of sizes. 

Learn more: Meet 8 iconic fashion designers of the moment to inspire you 

How to create patterns that include diversity in fashion 

Understand your audience’s needs 

Every person is different. To develop inclusive garments, pattern makers must first understand their audience. This means researching body shapes, mobility challenges, and style preferences. 

Listening to customers is key. Surveys, feedback, and real-life testing help professionals make better choices. People know what works for them, and their input is valuable. 

But inclusive design is not just about size. They must also consider different ages, cultures, and gender expressions. The more perspectives you include, the better the final product. 

Consider garment ergonomics 

Patterns should allow for natural movement and flexibility. Tight seams, stiff fabrics, or awkward fits can make clothing hard to wear. 

On the other hand, stretch panels, curved seams, and relaxed cuts improve mobility. These details help garments fit different bodies better. They also make clothing easier to put on and take off. 

Ergonomics also means choosing the right materials. Soft, breathable, and adaptive fabrics create a better experience. 

Develop an expanded size range 

Standard sizing does not fit everyone, and many people struggle to find clothes that match their body shape. That’s why expanding size options makes fashion more inclusive. 

Pattern makers must consider different proportions, not just bigger or smaller versions of one fit. This includes a well-graded pattern adjusts for shoulder width, waist placement, and height. 

This way, more people find clothes that fit, and brands reach a larger audience. True inclusivity means offering choices for all body types. 

Learn more: Check out 8 advantages of the clothing measurements chart for the fashion business 

Add functional details 

Small design choices can make a big difference. Features like elastic waistbands, hidden zippers, and adjustable straps improve accessibility. 

For people with limited mobility, magnetic buttons and velcro closures are helpful. Stretch panels and adaptive fastenings also make dressing easier. 

Pockets, reinforced seams, and layered fabrics help add value. Functional details improve both style and usability. 

Keep in mind that a thoughtful pattern combines practicality with good design. 

Simulate and adjust 

Before production, testing is essential. And digital simulations help professionals see how patterns fit different bodies. Moreover, 3D modeling speeds up the process and reduces waste. 

Physical prototypes are also important. Fit tests on diverse models reveal adjustments needed and ensures the final garment is truly inclusive. 

Learn more: Master the use of industrial patterns in apparel production 

How does technology enhance inclusive pattern making? 

Technology is a powerful tool for diversity in fashion. Because of technology, it is possible to create inclusive pattern making with agility and facility. 

Check which are the main tools to help you and your brand in this journey: 

Pattern digitization 

Digitizing patterns replaces paper with digital files. This makes it easier to store, edit, and share designs. 

They also reduce waste, since there’s no need for repeated printing or cutting. You can test changes virtually before making physical samples. 

2D pattern creation 

It’s also possible to begin your pattern from zero, in a 100% digital way, thanks to technology. 

2D pattern software allows precise adjustments. You can create different sizes and shapes with a few clicks, speeding up the process. 

Instead of starting from scratch, pattern makers can modify existing patterns. This ensures better fit across different body types. 

Automatic size grading 

Size grading adjusts patterns for different body measurements. In the past, this was done manually, which was slow and less accurate. Now, software automates this process. 

Grading tools ensure each size maintains the right proportions. They adjust sleeve lengths, waist widths, and shoulder placements based on real measurements. This improves fit across all sizes. 

3D simulation 

3D simulation brings patterns to life before production. Designers can see how fabric drapes, stretches, and moves on different body types. 

Virtual models help test inclusivity in fashion. They represent different sizes, genders, and abilities. This ensures garments work for more people. 

3D tools also reduce waste because you can perfect a pattern digitally before making physical samples. 

Develop inclusive patterns with Audaces solutions

Audaces Digiflash 

While traditional paper-based pattern making methods have served their purpose, they often come with drawbacks. They include space constraints, confusion, and loss.  

Audades Digiflash offers an innovative solution to these challenges by seamlessly transitioning your patterns into digital files.  

Simply take a photo of your paper pattern, and our technology will instantly convert it into a digital file.  

You can make changes to your patterns directly within the digital format, eliminating the need for physical alterations. 

Audaces Pattern 

For pattern makers looking for excellence, Audaces Pattern is the perfect solution. It ensures the pattern design reaches a new level of efficiency and precision. 

With its versatile approach, it’s possible to develop high-quality patterns, regardless of complexity.  

Refine every detail to perfection, ensuring that your creative vision translates into patterns. This advanced solution will assist you with all your pattern making endeavors! 

Audaces 3D 

Audaces 3D is ideal for pattern makers to bring creations to life in a 3D mannequin.    

You can test your digital pattern before committing to a physical sample. Save time and resources by identifying issues early in the process.      

With a range of tools and possibilities, this software transforms the development processes.    

It enables you to shape your ideas directly in a digital space, gaining agility and quality in deliveries. 

Discover Audaces360 and unlock a world of possibilities for fashion design and production. Explore our comprehensive suite of solutions today!

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