Tech-driven jeans for extreme shapes
Many women struggle to find well-fitting jeans. By combining AI, 3D body scanning and digital patternmaking, this project used technology to create perfectly sized, bespoke jeans while reducing fabric waste and promoting sustainable fashion.
A commitment to equality, diversity and equal opportunities for all, sits at the heart of The University of Ƶ’s values and research.
That ethos has inspired a new project bringing fashion and technology together: designing custom-fit clothing for different body shapes.
By combining 3D body scanning, digital pattern cutting, and virtual fitting, the project delivers faster, better-fitting solutions that reduce fabric waste and promote inclusive, sustainable fashion.
The process begins with 3D body scanning to capture accurate body measurements and shapes, which are then translated into digital patterns. These patterns are refined and tested through AI-enabled virtual fitting, allowing adjustments to be made without the need for physical samples.
AI-powered tools within Clo3D further enhance this workflow: the AI pose generator creates realistic body postures for fit evaluation; the 3D garment simulation predicts fabric behaviour during movement; the AI-assisted range design automates size adjustments and style variations; and the Clo AI Studio accelerates ideation by generating design options. Together, these technologies integrate human creativity with AI-driven efficiency, ensuring precision, inclusivity, and sustainability throughout the design process.
Led by Phumza Ntombovuyo Sokhetye, a PhD researcher in Textiles and Apparel, the work is transforming the frustrating trial-and-error processes for finding jeans, into custom designs that celebrate diversity.
Building on the University’s strengths in sustainable innovation, Phumza describes the aim of the project as to create “perfectly fitting, eco-friendly clothing accessible to everyone, empowering all individuals to feel confident and included no matter their shape or size.”
Meet the researcher
Phumza Sokhetye is a PhD researcher in Textiles and Apparel. As the Director and Co-owner of Kingspark Jeans Manufacturers, a business recognised at the 2019 KZN Investor Awards, she combines academic study with real-world industry impact. Her research focuses on inclusive fashion for different body shapes, uniting innovation, technology, and sustainability to challenge conventional sizing and improve fit across the fashion industry.
Read his papers
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