ISO 18163:2016

Overview

ISO 18163:2016 - "Clothing - Digital fittings - Vocabulary and terminology used for the virtual garment" standardizes the terminology and data attributes used in digital fitting systems. It defines a consistent vocabulary for virtual fabric, virtual garment patterns, virtual sewing lines, virtual garments, and virtual garment simulation on virtual human body models for fit assessment. The standard also outlines example notation (Annex A) and data structures for virtual garment models (Annex B), helping stakeholders exchange and interpret 2D/3D garment data reliably.

Key keywords: ISO 18163, digital fittings, virtual garment, virtual fabric, garment simulation, virtual sewing, pattern strain, mesh structure, texture maps, DXF.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

• Defined vocabulary for core entities: virtual fabric, virtual garment pattern, virtual sewing line, virtual garment, and virtual garment simulation.
• Virtual fabric attributes: mechanical properties used in simulations (tensile modulus, bending rigidity, shear resistance, thickness, weight) - typically referenced to textile test standards.
• Pattern composition: points, outlines, internal lines, mesh structure and spatial arrangement of pattern pieces.
• Sewing and assembly: virtual sewing line definitions, sewing order and sewing conditions to join pattern pairs in simulation.
• Simulation outputs and fitting metrics: garment balance, pattern strain, gap (air gap visualization), surface wrinkles and heat maps for qualitative/quantitative fit evaluation.
• Data organization: meta information, apparel product data, simulation data and fitting information (Annex A); object-based data model-garment model, garment pattern (points/lines/notches), sewing conditions, garment options, texture maps and 3D model (Annex B).
• Coordinate and file conventions: measurements in millimetres; axis orientation (+y up, +x left, +z forward); common import/export formats referenced (e.g., DXF).

Practical Applications and Users

ISO 18163 supports interoperability and consistent communication across the digital apparel ecosystem:

• Apparel designers and pattern makers - to describe virtual patterns, grading rules and texture mapping consistently.
• Simulation and CAD software developers - to implement standardized object models, mesh structures, sewing conditions and visualization (strain/heat maps).
• Manufacturers and technical design teams - to evaluate fit digitally before sample production, reducing prototyping cycles.
• Retailers and e‑commerce platforms - to enable reliable virtual try-on and consumer-facing digital fittings.
• Research bodies and standards committees - for harmonizing measurement and data-exchange practices in 3D garment simulation.

Related Standards

• ISO 5084, ISO 13934-2, ISO 14087, ISO 14273 - referenced for textile/mechanical test methods.
• ISO 8559 - referenced for grading rules and size designation.

Adopting ISO 18163 improves clarity in virtual garment data exchange, speeds development cycles, and enhances accuracy of digital fittings and online try-on experiences.