Developing of slacks clothing pattern for the elderly men using a 3D virtual garment simulation system

Abstract

This study seeks to increase the satisfaction of elderly men when purchasing and wearing ready-to-wear clothes by designing a slacks pattern suitable for their body type, which is determined by analyzing their lower bodies using virtual avatars and 3D virtual simulation system. The study found the following. First, based on virtual visualization of the comparison slacks pattern, the waistline position was consistently the lowest scored question among the evaluation survey items. Interpretation of this dissatisfaction suggests that, because the front waistline falls below the abdomen, the lower body, and especially the abdominal shape, is unpleasantly emphasized. Second, by using a virtual simulation system, the study developed a new slacks pattern that considered the concerns of elderly men. The primary measurement changes were as follows: front waist girth W/4+1.5cm+0.5cm, back waist girth W/4+1.5cm–0.5cm, front hip girth H/4+2.5cm–0.5cm, back hip girth H/4+2.5cm+0.5cm. Third, the new slacks pattern’s appearance was evaluated more highly than the comparison pattern, confirming the new pattern’s appropriateness for elderly men. This study demonstrates how slacks and other clothing patterns designed in a 3D virtual garment simulator can be used to design more appealing clothing for elderly men, increasing the satisfaction of wearing ready-made clothes at older ages.