Have you ever bought new clothes online and purchased more than one size, color or style knowing that you will only keep the items that fit you best?

This behavior is called bracketing, and it comes at a major environmental cost because more items must be shipped and returns often end up in the landfill.

Do-yeon Kong, a PhD student in apparel design, with a background in computer science, is using 3D imaging to reduce bracketing.

Using CLO, 3D garment simulation software, and machine learning, Kong demonstrates how a golf shirt would move with a customer’s body in a golf swing. People preferred this method for determining fit over more traditional models such as photos or animated movements.

“The interaction between the human body and clothing is important,” said Kong, who presented her first-place student paper at the 2023 International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) conference. “I will continue to explore this area through the use of 3D garment visualization and the use of a digital twin.”