Why Emerging Designers Should Pay Attention to CLO3D — And How It’s Shaping the Future of Fashion

The fashion industry is evolving at lightning speed, and as a brand founder or emerging designer, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. One tool that’s making waves right now is CLO3D, a 3D fashion design software that's changing how fashion is created and produced. But should you, as a designer, learn how to use it yourself, or is it something you can leave to the experts? In this post, we’ll break down what CLO3D is, how it benefits emerging designers, and why it’s shaping the future of fashion — along with some realistic insights on whether it’s worth diving deep into the software yourself.

What is CLO3D?

CLO3D is a 3D design tool that allows designers to create virtual garments. You can sketch, drape, and test designs on digital avatars, adjusting them in real-time and visualizing how fabrics will behave. No physical samples are required, which means faster development and the ability to refine designs much quicker. Brands like Theory, Adidas, and Levi’s have already integrated CLO3D into their workflows, reducing waste, speeding up production, and enhancing their design process.

Should Brand Founders Learn CLO3D, or Is This Just for Suppliers?

One of the most common questions I get is whether emerging designers should take the time to learn CLO3D, or if it’s something they should leave to suppliers or tech experts. Here’s my perspective:

Understand how CLO3D works, but leave the heavy lifting to the experts.

As a brand founder, your primary focus should be on the vision for your brand, connecting with your customers, and creating the big-picture strategies that drive your business forward. You don’t have to be an expert at every tool or technology — CLO3D included. However, understanding how it works will allow you to make better decisions and communicate more effectively with your suppliers and partners who use the software.

Instead of spending countless hours learning the intricacies of CLO3D, you can collaborate with a supplier who offers it as part of their services, like Krstn Ndrsn Design Studio. This way, you can still take advantage of the technology — like digital prototyping and fabric simulation — without getting bogged down in the technicalities.

Keep in mind that adding CLO3D services to your production process may come with added costs. Suppliers who use CLO3D may charge more for the technology, so make sure to account for that when budgeting your designs.

The Learning Curve: It’s Not as Simple as Pushing a Button

Let’s be honest: CLO3D isn’t the easiest software to learn. While it’s definitely more user-friendly than some other design programs, it still comes with a steep learning curve. Many designers who’ve tried to learn the software themselves report that understanding how to create digital patterns, manipulate fabrics, and simulate garment behavior can be tricky, especially if you’re new to digital design.

I recently worked with a consulting client who had invested a lot of time learning CLO3D. However, despite his dedication, he didn’t fully grasp how CLO3D fit into the broader product development process. He was spending so much time focusing on learning the software without understanding the importance of foundational steps like creating a pattern or tech pack, which are crucial in ensuring a smooth transition from concept to production. This lack of context around how CLO3D integrates with the rest of the product development made it harder for him to effectively use the tool.

While CLO3D is an incredible asset, especially in digital prototyping, it’s important to first understand the broader product development process to see how each piece fits together. If you’re not yet familiar with things like patterns and tech packs, I recommend enrolling in a course like our Make Good Fashion Academy before diving deep into 3D design software.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning new software and has the time to dedicate, there are plenty of resources available to help you get the hang of CLO3D, from YouTube tutorials to paid courses. But if you’d rather focus on your creative work and brand building, working with a supplier who already uses CLO3D might be the more efficient and cost-effective option for you.

How CLO3D Benefits Emerging Designers

Even if you don’t plan to dive into the software yourself, understanding how CLO3D can benefit your design process is key. Here’s how it can give your brand an edge:

1️⃣ Speed & Flexibility
With CLO3D, you can quickly bring your designs to life without waiting weeks for physical samples. You can test multiple variations of a garment, change colors, or experiment with fabric types — all digitally. This means fewer prototypes and faster decision-making.

2️⃣ Sustainability
The fashion industry is under increasing pressure to reduce waste. CLO3D helps designers cut down on excess fabric and materials used for sampling, making your development process more eco-friendly.

3️⃣ Better Production Communication
As more suppliers adopt CLO3D, having a basic understanding of how the software works allows you to communicate more effectively with them. You’ll be able to provide feedback on designs and give more precise instructions for alterations, ensuring that your garments turn out just the way you envision them.

Why It’s the Future

CLO3D isn’t just a passing trend — it’s a glimpse into the future of fashion. The industry is moving toward digital fashion shows, virtual fitting rooms, and even metaverse-ready collections. The big players are already using CLO3D, and its use is only going to increase as the demand for faster, more sustainable production grows.

For emerging designers, this technology can level the playing field. It’s no longer just about having the best designs — it’s about having the ability to bring those designs to life more efficiently and communicate better with your suppliers.

Final Thoughts: Should You Learn It?

Here’s the bottom line: CLO3D is a powerful tool, but it’s not something you need to master yourself. As a brand founder, understanding how the software works and the benefits it brings is important, but don’t feel pressured to become an expert. Collaborate with suppliers who offer CLO3D as part of their services, and focus your time and energy on growing your brand and perfecting your designs. Just be sure to factor the cost of digital design services into your budget.

And remember — you can absolutely produce and launch your collection without CLO3D. Many successful emerging brands still rely on traditional methods and introduce digital tools like CLO3D later as they grow, scale, and have more resources to invest in technology. The key is knowing what’s available so you can make the right decisions for your brand at the right time.

At the time of writing this, CLO3D offers a 14-day free trial, so you can test it out if you’re curious. After that, it’s $25 per month for students, $50 per month for individual users, and they offer additional pricing packages for larger businesses. If you love learning new software and have the time to invest, it might be worth exploring — but again, don’t feel like it’s a make-or-break requirement to build a successful brand.

By staying on top of the latest technologies and understanding their impact on your business, you’ll be able to make smarter decisions and set your brand up for success in the digital age.

👉 If you’re interested in learning more, check out CLO3D here and explore how it might fit into your brand’s workflow.