The increasing demand for sustainable and efficient manufacturing in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry has driven interest in digital solutions. This review article explores the effect of 3D sampling technology (i.e., CLO 3D, Optitex, Lectra, and Browzwear) over traditional physical sampling on reducing material waste, improving efficiency, and reducing costs. This study examines the role of digital sampling in addressing critical challenges within the garment manufacturing process, specifically focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and lead time. In the RMG sector of Bangladesh, these technologies have great potential due to their proven effectiveness in enhancing design precision and optimizing production workflows. However, challenges such as expensive setup costs, a lack of realistic materials, and training needs continue to be major problems. The current article offers a thorough review of the economic and environmental effects linked to 3D sampling. It also highlights key obstacles to adopting this technology and provides strategic recommendations aimed at industry 4.0 stakeholders.
HossainMdDechunHZhangC, et al.
Dynamics of comparative advantage and competitiveness of textile and apparel industry: An empirical analysis for China and Bangladesh. Br J Econ Manag Trade2017;
16: 1–19.
3.
Ramesh KurpadM.Made in Bangladesh: Challenges to the ready-made garment industry. J Int Trade Law Policy2014;
13: 80–96.
4.
WuYJChengW.Reverse logistics in the publishing industry: China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Int J Phys Distrib Logist Manag2006;
36: 507–523.
5.
PengTKellensKTangR, et al.
Sustainability of additive manufacturing: An overview on its energy demand and environmental impact. Addit Manuf2018;
21: 694–704.
6.
RahmanMdMMazumderN-U-SFerdousiUS, et al. Advanced Technology in Textiles (ed. Rahman MdM, Mashud M, and Rahman MdM).
Singapore:
Springer Nature Singapore, pp. 301–321.
7.
SayemASMKennonRClarkeN.3D CAD systems for the clothing industry. Int J Fash Des Technol Educ2010;
3: 45–53.
8.
LiuY-JZhangD-LYuenMM-F.A survey on CAD methods in 3D garment design. Comput Ind2010;
61: 576–593.
9.
PapachristouEAnastassiuHT.Application of 3D virtual prototyping technology to the integration of wearable antennas into fashion garments. Technologies2022;
10: 62.
10.
SarakatsanosOPapazoglou-ChalikiasABoikouM, et al.
VR Designer: Enhancing fashion showcases through immersive virtual garment fitting. Virtual Real2024;
28: 70.
ApeagyeiP.Application of 3D body scanning technology to human measurement for clothing fit. Int J Digit Content Technol Its Appl2010;
4: 58–68.
13.
HuangHQMokPYKwokYL, et al.
Block pattern generation: From parameterizing human bodies to fit feature-aligned and flattenable 3D garments. Comput Ind2012;
63: 680–691.
14.
MohamedSM.Benefit of the features advantages of 3D CAD softwares in modifying the apparel virtual prototype. Int Des J2025;
15: 78–90.
15.
AkramSVMalikPKSinghR, et al.
Implementation of digitalized technologies for fashion industry 4.0: Opportunities and challenges. Sci Program2022;
2022: 1–17.
16.
HuynhPH.Enabling circular business models in the fashion industry: the role of digital innovation. Int J Product Perform Manag2022;
71: 870–895.
17.
ShahidMdARahmanMdMHossainMdT, et al.
Advances in conductive polymer-based flexible electronics for multifunctional applications. J Compos Sci2025;
9: 42.
18.
PapachristouEKalaitziDPissasV.A methodological framework for the integration of 3D virtual prototyping into the design development of laser-cut garments. J Eng Fibers Fabr2023;
18: 15589250231194621.
19.
TokatliNEldenerYB.Upgrading in the global clothing industry: The transformation of Boyner Holding. Compet Change2004;
8: 173–193.
20.
ShahidMAHossainMTHabibMA, et al.
Prospects and challenges of recycling and reusing post-consumer garments: A review. Clean Eng Technol2024;
19: 100744.
21.
KarmakerCLAzizRAAhmedT, et al.
Impact of industry 4.0 technologies on sustainable supply chain performance: The mediating role of green supply chain management practices and circular economy. J Clean Prod2023;
419: 138249.
22.
SahaPTalapatraSBelalHM, et al.
Unleashing the potential of the TQM and industry 4.0 to achieve sustainability performance in the context of a developing country. Glob J Flex Syst Manag2022;
23: 495–513.
23.
PapahristouEBilalisN.3D virtual prototyping traces new avenues for fashion design and product development: A qualitative study. J Text Sci Eng;
07. Epub ahead of print 2017. DOI: 10.4172/2165-8064.1000297.
24.
SahaPBelalHMTalapatraS.Driving toward sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the ready-made garments (RMGs) sector: The role of digital capabilities and operational transparency. IEEE Trans Eng Manag2024;
71: 14071–14082.
Henao‐RamírezAMLópez-ZapataE.Analysis of the factors influencing adoption of 3D design digital technologies in Colombian firms. J Enterp Inf Manag2022;
35: 429–454.
27.
BukhariMACarrasco-GallegoRPonce-CuetoE.Developing a national programme for textiles and clothing recovery. Waste Manag Res J Sustain Circ Econ2018;
36: 321–331.
28.
HasanSKhanGHoqueMR, et al.
Lean practices in the Bangladeshi ready-made garments industry and global significance. Int J Logist Res Appl2022;
25: 309–327.
29.
IkramM.Transition toward green economy: Technological innovation’s role in the fashion industry. Curr Opin Green Sustain Chem2022;
37: 100657.
30.
BeggBPicklesJSmithA.Cutting it: European integration, trade regimes, and the reconfiguration of East–Central European apparel production. Environ Plan Econ Space2003;
35: 2191–2207.
31.
GereffiG.The regional dynamics of global trade: Asian, American, and European models of apparel sourcing. In: VellingaM (ed.) The Dialectics of Globalization.
London:
Routledge, pp. 31–62.
32.
LeeJKarpovaELeeM.Determinants of apparel exports in developed economies: Application of the gravity model and economic geography theory. Cloth Text Res J2014;
32: 139–152.
33.
AdnanA.Export trend of Bangladesh: The dominance of ready-made garments industry. Res J Econ Business ICT2016;
10: 25–31.
34.
IslamMdS.Ready-made garments exports earning and its contribution to economic growth in Bangladesh. GeoJournal2021;
86: 1301–1309.
35.
HossianMdSKabirRLatifeeEH.Export competitiveness of Bangladesh readymade garments sector: challenges and prospects. Int J Res Bus Soc Sci 2147- 44782019;
8: 45–63.
36.
KhanANUllahMdR.Export scenario between Bangladesh and China: Opportunities of Bangladesh in RMG sector. Eur Sci J ESJ2017;
13: 299.
Mostafizur RahmanMdShamsuzzamanMdDasD, et al. Introduction to textiles and textile fibers. In: RahmanMdMMashudMRahmanMdM (eds) Advanced Technology in Textiles.
Singapore:
Springer Nature Singapore, pp. 1–29.
41.
ArmstrongCMLeHewMLA.Sustainable apparel product development: In search of a new dominant social paradigm for the field using sustainable approaches. Fash Pract2011;
3: 29–62.
42.
KincadeDHReganCGibsonFY.Concurrent engineering for product development in mass customization for the apparel industry. Int J Oper Prod Manag2007;
27: 627–649.
43.
ReganCLKincadeDHSheldonG.Applicability of the engineering design process theory in the apparel design process. Cloth Text Res J1998;
16: 36–46.
44.
MeyerMHUtterbackJM.Product development cycle time and commercial success. IEEE Trans Eng Manag1995;
42: 297–304.
45.
ChuaCKLeongKFLimCS.Rapid Prototyping: Principles and Applications (3rd edn).
Singapore:
World Scientific, 2010. DOI: 10.1142/6665.
46.
ChenISNFungPKO.Relationship configurations in the apparel supply chain. J Bus Ind Mark2013;
28: 303–316.
47.
LiaoYLiaoKHutchinsonR.A conceptual framework for prototyping outsourcing in new product development: A knowledge‐based view. J Manuf Technol Manag2009;
21: 122–138.
48.
MoenaertRKCaeldriesFLievensA, et al.
Communication flows in international product innovation teams. J Prod Innov Manag2000;
17: 360–377.
49.
GallaherMPO’ConnorACDettbarnJLJr., et al. Cost Analysis of Inadequate Interoperability in the U.S. Capital Facilities Industry. NIST GCR 04-867, National Institute of Standards and Technology.
50.
WorleyJMDoolenTL.The role of communication and management support in a lean manufacturing implementation. Manag Decis2006;
44: 228–245.
51.
ByeELabatKLDelongMR.Analysis of body measurement systems for apparel. Cloth Text Res J2006;
24: 66–79.
52.
DoulgkeroglouM-NDi NubilaANiessingB, et al.
Automation, monitoring, and standardization of cell product manufacturing. Front Bioeng Biotechnol2020;
8: 811.
53.
KlestaEJBartzJK.Quality assurance and quality control. In: SparksDLPageALHelmkePA, et al. (eds) SSSA Book Series.
Madison, WI, USA:
Soil Science Society of America, American Society of Agronomy, pp. 19–48.
54.
SenanayakeM. Product development in the apparel industry. In: Garment Manufacturing Technology. Amsterdam: Elsevier, pp. 21–57.
55.
LewisTLParkHNetravaliAN, et al.
Closing the loop: A scalable zero-waste model for apparel reuse and recycling. Int J Fash Des Technol Educ2017;
10: 353–362.
56.
CascianiDChkanikovaOPalR.Exploring the nature of digital transformation in the fashion industry: Opportunities for supply chains, business models, and sustainability-oriented innovations. Sustain Sci Pract Policy2022;
18: 773–795.
57.
PapahristouEBilalisN.A new sustainable product development model in apparel based on 3D technologies for virtual proper fit. In: SetchiRHowlettRJLiuY, et al. (eds) Sustainable Design and Manufacturing 2016.
Cham:
Springer International Publishing, pp. 85–95.
58.
SunLZhaoL.Technology disruptions: Exploring the changing roles of designers, makers, and users in the fashion industry. Int J Fash Des Technol Educ2018;
11: 362–374.
59.
HossainMTShahidMALimonMGM, et al.
Techniques, applications, and challenges in textiles for a sustainable future. J Open Innov Technol Mark Complex2024;
10: 100230.
60.
HoqueMARasiahRFuruokaF, et al.
Technology adoption in the apparel industry: Insight from literature review and research directions. Res J Text Appar2021;
25: 292–307.
61.
ChoiK-H.3D dynamic fashion design development using digital technology and its potential in online platforms. Fash Text2022;
9: 9.
62.
HossainMPrasadRKMahmudNTalha AR, Darda A. Automation of garments designing using 3D virtual software: current trends and future contributions in the 4th industrial revolution of Bangladesh. InInternational conference on textile, apparel and fashion Dhaka, Bangladesh: BUFT 2022.
63.
KuijpersAAMGeelhoedMWCrieteeM.The Future of Fabrics: Digital Fabric Roadmap.
Hogeschool Van Amsterdam, 2021.
AttaranM.The rise of 3-D printing: The advantages of additive manufacturing over traditional manufacturing. Bus Horiz2017;
60: 677–688.
66.
Khairul AkterMMdHaqUNIslamMdM, et al.
Textile-apparel manufacturing and material waste management in the circular economy: A conceptual model to achieve sustainable development goal (SDG) 12 for Bangladesh. Clean Environ Syst2022;
4: 100070.
67.
PeriyasamyAPTehrani-BaghaA.A review on microplastic emission from textile materials and its reduction techniques. Polym Degrad Stab2022;
199: 109901.
68.
RumiMHBalaSShahAMMM, et al.
Future tradeoff under fourth industrial revolution in Bangladesh: A study on RMG sector. Int J Soc Polit Econ Res2021;
8: 198–215.
69.
BertolaPTeunissenJ.Fashion 4.0. Innovating fashion industry through digital transformation. Res J Text Appar2018;
22: 352–369.
70.
TurquinEWitherJBoissieuxL, et al.
A sketch-based interface for clothing virtual characters. IEEE Comput Graph Appl2007;
27: 72–81.
71.
DattaDBSealP. Various approaches in pattern making for garment sector. J Text Eng Fash Technol; 4. Epub ahead of print 16 January 2018. DOI: 10.15406/jteft.2018.04.00118.
72.
WangYXLiuZD.
Virtual clothing display platform based on CLO3D and evaluation of fit. Journal of Fiber and Bioengineering and Informatics2020;
13(1): 37–49.
PopescuGOlaruSGrosuC, et al.
Development of jacket patterns for teenagers using Optitex flattening module. TEXTEH Proc2021;
2021: 334–341.
75.
WuJXLiL.AI-driven computational creativity in fashion design: A review. Text Res J2025;
95: 658–675.
76.
AgusAShukri HajinoorM.Lean production supply chain management as driver towards enhancing product quality and business performance: Case study of manufacturing companies in Malaysia. Int J Qual Reliab Manag2012;
29: 92–121.
77.
ArribasVAlfaroJA.3D technology in fashion: from concept to consumer. J Fash Mark Manag Int J2018;
22: 240–251.
78.
TofailSAMKoumoulosEPBandyopadhyayA, et al.
Additive manufacturing: Scientific and technological challenges, market uptake and opportunities. Mater Today2018;
21: 22–37.
79.
MoazzemSCrossinEDaverF, et al.
Baseline scenario of carbon footprint of polyester T-shirt. J Fiber Bioeng Inform2018;
11: 1–14.
80.
KaminskyJLiebchenW.System and method for metalook carbon footprint calculations. US20100030608A1, USA, 2023.
81.
ChenQCaoSWangJ, et al. How does automation shape the process of narrative visualization: A survey of tools. Epub ahead of print 2022. DOI: 10.48550/ARXIV.2206.12118.
82.
ColicchiaCMarchetGMelaciniM, et al.
Building environmental sustainability: Empirical evidence from logistics service providers. J Clean Prod2013;
59: 197–209.
83.
McElroyK.Prototyping for Designers: Developing the Best Digital and Physical Products(1st edn).
Beijing:
O’Reilly, 2017.
84.
Sevaldson B. Developing digital design techniques: Investigations on creative design computing. Case studies in the use of design practice by PhD researchers.[Online]. Loughborough: Loughborough University. 2013.
85.
HabibMdAAlamMdS.A comparative study of 3D virtual pattern and traditional pattern making. J Text Sci Technol2024;
10: 1–24.
86.
HsuCWangCLinR.The study of developing innovation on technology-enabled design process. In: RauP-LP (ed.) Cross-Cultural Design. Methods, Tools and User Experience.
Cham:
Springer International Publishing, pp. 3–17.
87.
PowerJ.Fabric objective measurements for commercial 3D virtual garment simulation. Int J Cloth Sci Technol2013;
25: 423–439.
AzizATalapatraSBelalHM.Improving equipment effectiveness through visual stream mapping: Some exploratory research findings in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. Glob J Flex Syst Manag2024;
25: 303–324.
WolffKHerholzPZieglerV, Link F, Brügel N, Sorkine-Hornung O. Designing personalized garments with body movement. InComputer Graphics Forum 2023 Feb (Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 180-194).
98.
CaoYWangS.Research on the application of CLO3D technology in the structure design of national costume. Adv Econ Manag Res2023;
6: 158.
99.
NiinimäkiKHassiL.Emerging design strategies in sustainable production and consumption of textiles and clothing. J Clean Prod2011; S0959652611001569.
100.
IstookCLHwangS.3D body scanning systems with application to the apparel industry. J Fash Mark Manag Int J2001;
5: 120–132.
101.
Glal Abd Elazez A, Mohamed El Sayed Abdo N.Using CLO 3D program to evaluate the basic flat pattern for girls in adolescence. J Archit Art Humanist Sci2020;
0: 0–0.
102.
GültepeUGüdükbayU.Real-time virtual fitting with body measurement and motion smoothing. Comput Graph2014;
43: 31–43.
103.
SarkarJRifatNMSakib-Uz-ZamanMd, et al. Advanced technology in apparel manufacturing. In: RahmanMdMMashudMRahmanMdM (eds) Advanced Technology in Textiles.
Singapore:
Springer Nature Singapore, pp. 177–231.
104.
AlauddinMdAlauddinMdChowdhuryMM.Small and medium enterprise in Bangladesh-Prospects and challenges. Global Journal of Management and Business Research. 2015 Dec;15(7):11.
105.
NovoaMHowellBHoftijzerJW, et al. New collaborative workflows - immersive co-design from sketching to 3D CAD and production. In: DS 117: Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education (E&PDE 2022), 8–9 September 2022, London South Bank University in London, UK. The Design Society. Epub ahead of print 2022. DOI: 10.35199/EPDE.2022.64.
106.
KhanZHIslamGMdNHabibMdM.Technology-driven supply chain management in readymade garments: A literature review. Int Supply Chain Technol J;
9. Epub ahead of print 16 April 2023. DOI: 10.20545/isctj.v09.i05.01.
107.
MianMEU.A study on competitiveness of ready-made garments for export-led economic growth in bangladesh: issues and challenges. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Saskatchewan, http://hdl.handle.net/10388/12848 (2020).
108.
DillonPMoodyWBartlettR, et al. Sensing the fabric: To simulate sensation through sensory evaluation and in response to standard acceptable properties of specific materials when viewed as a digital image. In: BrewsterSMurray-SmithR (eds) Haptic Human-Computer Interaction.
Berlin:
Springer, pp. 205–218.
109.
LuibleC.Study of Mechanical Properties in the Simulation of 3D Garments. Thesis, Université de Genève, 2008. DOI: 10.13097/ARCHIVE-OUVERTE/UNIGE:688.
110.
MartinsuoMLuomarantaT.Adopting additive manufacturing in SMEs: Exploring the challenges and solutions. J Manuf Technol Manag2018;
29: 937–957.
111.
SahaPTalapatraSBelalHM, et al.
Examining the viability of lean production practices in the Industry 4.0 era: An empirical evidence based on B2B garment manufacturing sector. J Bus Ind Mark2023;
38: 2694–2712.
McCormickHCartwrightJPerryP, et al.
Fashion retailing – past, present and future. Text Prog2014;
46: 227–321.
114.
NayakRThangLNVNguyenT, et al.
Sustainable developments and corporate social responsibility in Vietnamese fashion enterprises. J Fash Mark Manag Int J2022;
26: 307–327.
KanizFarhanaSnehaZZMondolS, et al.
Business trend analysis of RMG industry in context of Bangladesh – a case study. Int J Ind Manag2022;
14: 515–528.
117.
KappKMO’DriscollT.Learning in 3D: Adding a New Dimension to Enterprise Learning and Collaboration.
San Francisco, CA:
Pfeiffer, 2010.
118.
Lopes de Sousa JabbourABJabbourCJCGodinho FilhoM, et al.
Industry 4.0 and the circular economy: A proposed research agenda and original roadmap for sustainable operations. Ann Oper Res2018;
270: 273–286.
119.
AsmoneASGohYMLimMSH.Prioritization of industry level interventions to improve implementation of design for safety regulations. J Safety Res2022;
82: 352–366.
120.
GuoSSunXLamHKS.Applications of blockchain technology in sustainable fashion supply chains: Operational transparency and environmental efforts. IEEE Trans Eng Manag2023;
70: 1312–1328.
121.
RamkalaonSSayemASM.Zero-Waste Pattern Cutting (ZWPC) to tackle over sixty billion square metres of fabric wastage during mass production of apparel. J Text Inst2021;
112: 809–819.
122.
IqbalMASuJHasanS.Skill and knowledge requirements of entry-level logistics professionals in the apparel industry of Bangladesh: An importance-expertise matrix analysis. Int J Fash Des Technol Educ2022;
15: 45–56.
123.
DrakouAPapachristouETarnanidisT, et al. Transforming fashion education: The impact of AI-driven 3D design on learning, creativity, and sustainability. In: Proceedings of the 13th Hellenic Conference on Artificial Intelligence. Piraeus Greece: ACM, pp. 1–6.
124.
AhmedSMMOwaisMRazaM, et al.
The impact of AI-driven personalization on consumer engagement and brand loyalty. Qlantic J Soc Sci2025;
6: 311–323.
125.
GuoZZhuZLiY, et al.
AI assisted fashion design: A review. IEEE Access2023;
11: 88403–88415.
126.
WangZTaoXZengX, et al.
An interactive personalized garment design recommendation system using intelligent techniques. Appl Sci2022;
12: 4654.
127.
GrandeRAlbusacJVallejoD, et al.
Performance evaluation and optimization of 3D models from low-cost 3D scanning technologies for virtual reality and metaverse e-commerce. Appl Sci2024;
14: 6037.
128.
HewawalpitaSPereraI. Effect of 3D product presentation on consumer preference in e-commerce. In: 2017 Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon). Moratuwa, Sri Lanka: IEEE, pp. 485–490.
129.
Widayati CC, Ali H, Permana D, Riyadi M, Mercu U, Jakarta B. The effect of visual merchandising, sales promotion and positive emotion of consumers on impulse buying behavior. Journal of Marketing and Consumer Research. 2019 Sep 30;60:56–65.
130.
WangZTaoXZengX, et al.
Design of customized garments towards sustainable fashion using 3D digital simulation and machine learning-supported human–product interactions. Int J Comput Intell Syst2023;
16: 16.
131.
BaytarFChungTShinE.Evaluating garments in augmented reality when shopping online. J Fash Mark Manag Int J2020;
24: 667–683.
132.
HerzMRauschnabelPA.Understanding the diffusion of virtual reality glasses: The role of media, fashion and technology. Technol Forecast Soc Change2019;
138: 228–242.
133.
DissanayakeDGK. Does mass customization enable sustainability in the fashion industry? In: Beltramo R, Romani A, Cantore P (eds) Fashion Industry – An Itinerary Between Feelings and Technology. IntechOpen. Epub ahead of print 5 February 2020. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.88281.
134.
ScottELBhamraTMohammedMI, et al.
Investigating knitwear product development in small and medium enterprises: A report of practices related to environmental sustainability. Clean Logist Supply Chain2023;
7: 100105.
