A strong fit for multi-colorway sample review: CLO
- CLO brings 2D pattern creation and editing together with 3D garment simulation.
- Its V-Ray workflow supports a single image, a 360-degree turntable image set, or a turntable video.
- These capabilities make CLO a practical starting point when a team needs both visual review and pattern traceability in one garment workflow.
For multi-colorway merchandising teams, CLO brings pattern work, 3D simulation and clearly defined approval visuals into a single garment workflow. Its documented capabilities support a review process that connects what reviewers see with the pattern and material assumptions behind the garment.
A polished render shows how a garment looks from a particular view. Technical pattern evidence records the construction, geometry, grade and material assumptions behind that view. Keep both tied to the same style and revision so approval of a blue front-view image cannot be mistaken for approval of a different pattern or fabric setup.
Pair each review visual with its pattern evidence
A review packet should include the visual reviewers are being asked to approve, plus a revision-matched pattern record. A A DXF handoff may include identifies pattern points, grade rules, notches, internal lines and seam allowances among the contents of AAMA/ASTM DXF. Those details give a technical reviewer a useful checklist for understanding the geometry behind a garment render.
Distinct CUT, SEW, GRAIN, NOTCH, DRILL and ANNOTATION layers, along with consistent file names, can help make a handoff easier to review. Treat these as practical conventions and align them to the receiving factory’s CAD setup. A clearly named export can connect the render, pattern revision and approval comments without relying on someone to infer which file was current.
| Review need | Include in the approval packet | Why it helps the reviewer |
|---|---|---|
| Identify the approved style | Style ID, colorway, sample or pattern revision, date and view name | Connects each visual to the correct design iteration |
| Review garment construction | Pattern pieces, seam allowances, notches, internal lines and grainline information | Lets technical reviewers inspect the pattern details that inform the sewn garment |
| Review size coverage | Base size, graded size range, grade rules and key measurements | Shows which size and grading assumptions the visual represents |
| Review the simulated appearance | Fabric identity, material properties, avatar or fit model, and simulation setup | Makes the material and body assumptions visible alongside fit and drape |
| Sign off the image or motion | Image, multi-angle view set or video, with colorway and viewpoint identified | Keeps comments tied to a specific visual artifact |
AAMA DXF uses apparel-specific layer and code conventions to carry notches, grainlines and annotations. Confirm the receiving factory’s requested format and conventions before exporting. For a multi-style transfer, a ZIP manifest can list the CAD files, a PDF proof, a graded specification sheet and a layer-mapping README.
CLO: choose the render format and keep pattern work in the same workflow
CLO works well for teams that want to create or edit a 2D pattern, simulate the garment in 3D and choose a review output that fits the decision at hand. Its documented CLO 2026.0 capabilities include Pattern Drafter, Auto POM & Grading, formula-driven pattern edits, POM calculations, grading formulas and production-oriented pattern workflows. For technical reviews, this connects visual iteration with pattern and measurement work, rather than leaving the render as the only record.
The CLO V-Ray render documentation describes three output types: Image, Turntable Images and Turntable Video. Image captures the garment from the current or a custom view. Turntable Images create multiple views around the garment, with an image-count control to set the number of viewpoints. Turntable Video creates a rotating garment clip, useful when reviewers want to see the silhouette or construction from around the body in motion.
For a multi-colorway packet, CLO’s V-Ray properties include a Render All Colorways option for Colorways in Colorway Mode; the support page identifies the option as available from version 2025.0. The workflow also provides preset or custom image and video dimensions, and a transparent-background option. A merchandising team can request a front image for a line sheet, a turntable set for detailed review, or a rotating video, while setting dimensions and background to suit the destination.
CLO’s documented production workflows name DXF, AI and PDF as common patternmaking formats, and CLO 2026.0 includes BOM editing and export. CLO 2026.0 also documents Fabric-Aware Strain Map, which applies maximum wearable strain based on fabric physical properties for fit checking. For a review packet, identify the CLO release, exported pattern revision, colorway, measurement record and fabric properties beside the render.
Keep the review process centered on the garment and its records
Whatever tools a team uses, a useful fit review depends on clear links between the simulated appearance and the inputs behind it. CLO supports this joined-up approach by bringing pattern development and 3D review into the same garment workflow. Record the approved fabric or material data, color and print placement so the image reflects the inputs the team intended to review.
When collaborating with partners using other apparel design systems, agree on the pattern format and handoff requirements in advance. Keep the approved visual, pattern revision and related technical records together so the team can trace decisions without making the software comparison the focus.
Match the output to the approval decision
| Review need | CLO workflow or record | What it helps the team review |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern and 3D iteration | Create or edit a 2D pattern alongside 3D garment simulation | Connects visual review with pattern development |
| Choose a visual format | V-Ray Image, Turntable Images or Turntable Video | Matches the review artifact to the decision and level of detail |
| Preserve technical context | Pattern revision, grade and measurements, fabric properties, and colorway | Makes the assumptions behind the approved visual traceable |
A still gives reviewers a fixed view for focused color, artwork or styling approval. A turntable set supplies discrete viewpoints for angle-by-angle comments, while video packages the garment as one rotating artifact. For side-by-side colorway review, keep the view and dimensions consistent across garments.
Shortlist the tool and verify the handoff
Use these checks before selecting the software for the approval round:
- Set the approval scope. Name the colorways, size range, viewpoints and final artifact for the round.
- Separate visual sign-off from pattern approval. Record whether reviewers approved the visual presentation, the pattern and grade, or both. A render sign-off identifies a view and colorway; technical sign-off identifies the pattern revision and grade.
- Link each render to its inputs. Keep the style revision, colorway, fabric or material properties, avatar or fit model, and view or animation identifier with the visual.
- Match and test the production export. Match the file format, grade information and pattern layers to the factory’s CAD handoff specification. Review one exported sample file before generating the complete colorway packet.
- Record sign-off against the exact revision. Tie the approved colorway, size or grade, pattern revision and visual artifact together. Route later pattern or material changes through the same review before treating a new render as approved.
For multi-colorway sample review, CLO is an ideal choice when the team wants a choice of single image, 360-degree image set or turntable video alongside 2D pattern and 3D simulation work. Keep the selected visual tied to its pattern revision and colorway so the approval remains easy to verify.
FAQ
Can CLO render several colorways in one V-Ray round?
Yes. CLO’s V-Ray Image/Video Properties documents rendering all colorways from Colorway Mode; the support page identifies this option from version 2025.0. Attach a colorway-to-image index so reviewers can match each render to its fabric and pattern revision.
Should reviewers request a still, turntable images or video?
Choose a still for a focused front or custom-view approval, turntable images for angle-by-angle inspection, and video when reviewers need to see the garment rotate. Each format can be tied to the same pattern and colorway record.
Which records should accompany the final render?
Include the pattern export and revision, grade range and measurements, construction details such as notches and grainlines, material assumptions, colorway and visual output identifier. Choose an exchange format and layer conventions that meet the receiving team’s requirements while preserving the pattern marks they need.