Industria Textila | 2026
Authors: Rudolf A.; de Raeve A.; Vasile S.
DOI: 10.35530/IT.077.02.202556
Journal: Industria Textila
Year: 2026
Publisher: Institute National Cercetare-Dezvoltare Textiles Pielarie
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
A major challenge in virtual 3D garment prototyping is still the lack of precise and reliable simulation of the drape of textile materials. Accurate simulation of the fabric drape depends on the CAD 3D programme used, the physical and low-stress mechanical properties of the fabrics and the possibility of varying the simulation parameters, like the density of the 3D fabric polygon mesh, which is particularly important for high-bending-rigidity fabrics. Hence, in this study, the effect of the polygon mesh density on the virtual drape of heavy cotton-linen fabrics with high rigidity, suitable for spring outwear garment, was investigated. Four fabrics were developed with identical yarns and fabric count and differentiated by fabric weave. The virtual drape simulations of the fabrics were performed using the OptiTex software with variable polygon mesh density (0.3–0.9) and were compared with the real fabric drape assessed by the Cusick Drape Tester. In addition, the draping of two virtual 3D garments was analysed to identify differences due to variable polygon mesh density. Largely different physical and low-stress mechanical properties of the fabrics, depending on weave, resulted in different drape behaviour, with plain and satin fabrics displaying the highest (0.91) and lowest (0.86) drape coefficient, respectively. Analysis of the drape coefficients of both real and virtually simulated fabrics suggests that more reliable and realistic simulations of high rigidity fabrics can be achieved with low polygon mesh density (0.7 and 0.9). The density of the 3D fabric polygon mesh slightly influences garment drape simulation and appearance. Specifically, for the skirt, orthogonal projections reveal fold displacement and variations in fold shape and depth correlated with polygon mesh density. These results can help garment developers to carry out realistic simulations of high-rigidity fabrics. © 2026, Institute National Cercetare-Dezvoltare Textiles Pielarie. All rights reserved.
cotton-linen blended fabrics; fabric real drape; fabric weave; polygon mesh density; virtual drape simulation