How to achieve the perfect fit in lingerie patterns?10 min read

Summary 

• Lingerie patterns require special attention. Unlike regular clothing, they follow the body’s natural shape closely.
• Stretch fabrics, delicate details, and various body types make the process more complex. That’s why technology can be a great ally.
• Experience the future of fashion with Audaces360. Start your free trial now! 

Lingerie is all about comfort and precision, and it’s the pattern maker’s job to ensure the right fit, support, and style. But achieving perfection isn’t always easy. 

Small mistakes in pattern making can affect the final garment. The wrong curve, seam placement, or fabric choice can lead to discomfort. That’s why understanding the process in detail can make all the difference. 

You’ll discover the key steps to creating perfect lingerie patterns in this article. We’ll provide practical tips and demonstrate how technology can assist you.

Enjoy your reading! 

Why is it crucial to get lingerie pattern making right? 

Lingerie must fit like a second skin. Unlike outerwear, it has little room for error. Therefore, a well-made sewing pattern must mix comfort and support, ensuring customer satisfaction. 

Precision is key in this process. Stretch fabrics and delicate trims require patterns that balance structure and flexibility. Without this, the final garment may pinch, sag, or lose its shape. 

Good lingerie patterns also save time and materials. When done right, it reduces sewing issues and improves efficiency in production. 

Most importantly, lingerie affects confidence. A garment that fits well enhances comfort and movement, creating a better experience for the wearer. 

5 essential tips for lingerie pattern making 

Lingerie pattern making requires more than just drawing shapes. It involves careful planning, material knowledge, and testing. 

Here are five essential steps to get it right. 

1) Understand the desired style and fit 

Each lingerie piece serves a purpose. A soft bralette, a structured bra, and shaping underwear all need different design approaches. Defining the goal from the start prevents misalignment. 

Fit is about more than just size—it’s about function. A plunge bra needs support without bulk, while seamless underwear should disappear underclothing. 

By focusing on the intended result, you avoid unnecessary adjustments in the lingerie patterns later. A clear vision ensures efficiency and accuracy. 

Learn more: 4 mistakes you should avoid in clothing fit 

2) Choose the right type of fabric

Fabric dictates stretch, structure, and comfort. A lace bralette, for example, behaves differently from a satin bustier. It would require at least adjustments in the pattern’s shaping and allowances. 

Ignoring fabric properties leads to poor results. If the material is too stiff, the fit may feel restrictive. If too elastic, the garment may lose its form. 

The best approach is to test fabrics early. This helps refine the pattern before finalizing it, reducing surprises in production. 

3) Consider measurements and sizes 

Lingerie sizing isn’t always standard. A well-graded pattern should ensure consistency across sizes without losing its intended fit. 

Body measurements must be precise, especially around bust, underbust, and hips. Even minor miscalculations can affect comfort. 

Patterns should also account for stretch and movement. Strategic negative ease allows the garment to hug the body without feeling too tight. 

Learn more: Discover the benefits of a pattern grading chart for your clothing production 

4) Draw the pattern with all the details 

Lingerie patterns need precision. You must clearly mark every seam, notch, and dart to ensure smooth assembly. 

Consider elastic placements, strap adjustments, and fabric layering early in the process. This is because these details affect both fit and durability. 

5) Create a prototype and check the garment’s wearability 

The first prototype is the real test. It helps identify flaws in fit, comfort, and construction before mass production. 

Using the correct fabric for sampling is crucial. A test in non-stretch cotton won’t reveal how a lace or mesh design will behave. 

You can simplify this process by using technology. Creating virtual prototypes allows you to shorten steps, save time, and reduce material waste. 

Learn more: Discover 5 major benefits of 3D simulation for fashion 

How to create lingerie patterns directly on the computer 

Digital lingerie pattern making streamlines creation, making it more precise and efficient. It allows for quick adjustments, accurate grading, and seamless production. 

By using the right tools, you can develop high-quality patterns without the need for physical drafts. Check it out: 

Choose the system that best suits you 

You’ll find a variety of digital pattern-making programs. To find the best fit, consider your needs, budget, and workflow. 

Look for software with intuitive tools for lingerie patterns. Features like curve control, automatic grading, and seam allowances are essential. A program that integrates with 3D simulation can also improve accuracy. 

Testing different platforms before committing is a good strategy. Many offer free trials, allowing you to explore their functions and see which one works best.

Looking for tips to guide your choices? Download our free ebook and get expert advice!

Learn how to use all the tools 

Mastering digital tools takes time, but it pays off. Eventually, you’ll recover the time spent learning and transform it into agility in your workflow. 

Each software offers its own set of advantages, including shortcuts and unique features. Learning how to use them effectively speeds up the process. 

Practicing on simple designs first is a great approach. Once you’re comfortable, you can move on to complex lingerie patterns with confidence. 

Learn more: Learn how to incorporate digital patterns into your production 

Gather all the necessary measurements 

Accurate measurements are the base of any good pattern. The good thing is that, after you have all the numbers, digital software allows you to input them directly. 

 Some programs also offer standard size charts, but custom measurements usually create better results. 

Make the automatic grading of the pattern 

Once the base pattern is ready, you need to grade into different sizes. Leverage the power of digital tools to make this process much faster and more precise than manual grading. 

In fact, most software allows you to set grading rules. This ensures that all sizes maintain the correct proportions and fit. 

After grading, it’s important to check the results. Some curves or details may need adjustments to stay consistent across sizes. 

Learn more: Discover the benefits of digital sewing patterns and how they work 

Adjust and simulate the finished garment 

A 3D simulation helps visualize how the lingerie will fit on the body. This step identifies possible issues before cutting any fabric. 

Checking the drape, tension, and stretch in a digital environment saves time. It also reduces material waste by preventing errors in production. 

If something looks off, you can adjust the pattern instantly, achieving the perfect fit before moving to physical samples. 

Learn more: Why simulate the 3D fit of garments before production? 

Observe the details and finishes 

Lingerie requires precise details, like elastic placements, lace trims, and strap attachments. Be careful to position these in your pattern. 

Taking the time to refine small details improves the final product. Good lingerie patterns lead to better assembly and a professional finish. 

Export and print the finished pattern 

Once you’re happy with the result of your lingerie pattern, it’s time to export it in the right format. During this stage, you should check what kind of file the production sector uses. 

If you’re printing it, checking the scale is also essential. A mistake in size settings can lead to fit issues in production. 

Where can I learn about lingerie patterns online? 

The internet offers many ways to learn lingerie pattern making. From software guides to specialized courses, there are resources for all skill levels. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, online learning can help refine your techniques! 

Software instructions 

Most digital pattern-making programs have detailed instructions. These guides explain how to use tools, set measurements, and create patterns step by step. 

Many software companies also provide user manuals and FAQs on their websites. Some even offer video tutorials that demonstrate key functions in real time. 

Exploring these instructions first helps avoid common mistakes. By mastering the basics, you can move on to more advanced techniques with confidence. 

Online tutorials 

There are many free and paid tutorials available online. Video and learning platforms offer lessons on lingerie pattern making. 

You’ll find some that focus on digital techniques, and others that cover traditional methods. Your skill level will dictate which you choose. 

Tutorials often show tips and tricks that aren’t in official guides. They also provide solutions to common challenges. Take the opportunity to learn some useful hacks! 

Audaces Academy 

Audaces Academy is a great resource for learning digital pattern making. It offers certified courses for fashion professionals who want to improve their skills. 

The platform provides lessons on using Audaces software for lingerie patterns. These courses cover everything from creating digital bases to advanced grading and simulation. 

By learning through Audaces Academy, you gain access to expert knowledge. The structured lessons help you develop professional-level patterns with efficiency and precision. 

Create your lingerie patterns with Audaces360 solutions 

Rely on technology from experts in the field to make your lingerie patterns! 

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!

FAQ