Digital Design and CAD for Sportswear

Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Sportswear Design and Performance Technology course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.

Digital Design and CAD for Sportswear

Abrasives refer to materials used for smoothing or polishing surfaces in the pro… #

Related terms include sandpaper, emery paper, and polishing compounds. In the context of sportswear design, abrasives are used to create specific textures or effects on fabrics, enhancing the overall aesthetic or performance of the garment.

Acetate is a type of synthetic fiber used in the production of sportswear… #

Related terms include rayon, lyocell, and triacetate. Acetate fibers are often blended with other fibers to create fabrics with unique properties, such as moisture-wicking or thermal insulation, which are essential for sportswear.

Active wear refers to clothing designed for athletic or physical activities, … #

Related terms include sportswear, athletic wear, and performance apparel. Active wear is designed to provide comfort, support, and protection during exercise or competition, while also enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury.

Aesthetics refer to the visual appeal or attractiveness of a sportswear d… #

Related terms include design principles, visual design, and fashion design. In the context of sportswear design, aesthetics play a crucial role in creating a desirable and marketable product that appeals to the target audience.

Anthropometrics is the study of human body measurements and proportions,… #

Related terms include ergonomics, biomechanics, and 3D scanning. Anthropometrics involves analyzing data on body dimensions, shape, and movement to design sportswear that meets the needs of different body types and activities.

Apparel design refers to the process of creating clothing and accessories … #

Related terms include fashion design, textile design, and pattern making. In the context of sportswear design, apparel design involves creating garments that combine performance, comfort, and style.

Breathability refers to the ability of a fabric or material to allow air … #

Related terms include moisture-wicking, ventilation, and permeability. Breathable fabrics are designed to prevent the buildup of sweat and heat, reducing the risk of discomfort, chafing, and injury.

CAD stands for Computer #

Aided Design, a software tool used in sportswear design to create, modify, and analyze digital models of garments and textiles. Related terms include computer-aided manufacturing, 3D modeling, and digital prototyping. CAD software enables designers to create accurate, detailed, and customizable designs, streamlining the design process and reducing errors.

Color theory refers to the study of color and its effects on human percep… #

Related terms include color psychology, color harmony, and color matching. Color theory involves analyzing the properties of color, such as hue, saturation, and value, to create color schemes that enhance the brand identity, performance, and aesthetics of sportswear.

Computer #

aided manufacturing refers to the use of computer software and machinery to automate and optimize the production process of sportswear, improving efficiency, accuracy, and quality. Related terms include CAD, CAM, and CNC machining. Computer-aided manufacturing enables manufacturers to produce complex designs, customize products, and reduce waste, leading to cost savings and increased competitiveness.

Cotton is a natural fiber used in the production of sportswear, known for… #

Related terms include organic cotton, recycled cotton, and cotton blends. Cotton is often used in sportswear designs that require moisture-wicking, thermal insulation, and comfort, such as casual wear, activewear, and outdoor apparel.

Denim is a type of twill fabric made from cotton, commonly used in the pr… #

Related terms include denim fabric, denim finishing, and denim washing. Denim is often used in sportswear designs that require durability, comfort, and style, such as streetwear, urban wear, and lifestyle apparel.

Digital design refers to the process of creating digital models, patterns, and p… #

Related terms include computer-aided design, 3D modeling, and digital prototyping. Digital design streamlines the design process, reduces errors, and enhances collaboration between designers, manufacturers, and stakeholders.

Digital printing refers to the process of printing digital images or designs dir… #

Related terms include sublimation printing, dye-sublimation, and direct-to-garment printing. Digital printing enables designers to create complex, detailed, and vibrant designs, reducing production time and increasing design flexibility.

Ergonomics refers to the study of human factors and design principles tha… #

Related terms include anthropometrics, biomechanics, and human-centered design. Ergonomics involves analyzing data on human movement, cognition, and behavior to design sportswear that meets the needs of different users and activities.

Fabric finishing refers to the process of treating or coating fabrics to enhance… #

Related terms include fabric treatment, fabric coating, and textile finishing. Fabric finishing involves applying chemicals, coatings, or processes to fabrics to improve their durability, comfort, and functionality.

Fashion design refers to the process of creating original, stylish , and m… #

Related terms include apparel design, textile design, and fashion technology. In the context of sportswear design, fashion design involves creating garments that combine performance, comfort, and style, while also meeting the needs of different markets, trends, and consumers.

Fiber science refers to the study of fibers and their properties, used in… #

Related terms include textile science, fiber technology, and materials science. Fiber science involves analyzing the structure, properties, and behavior of fibers to design and develop innovative, high-performance fabrics and textiles.

Garment construction refers to the process of assembling and sewing garment comp… #

Related terms include pattern making, sewing, and garment manufacturing. Garment construction involves using various techniques, tools, and materials to create garments that meet quality, comfort, and performance standards.

Inkjet printing refers to a type of digital printing that uses ink drople… #

Related terms include digital printing, sublimation printing, and direct-to-garment printing. Inkjet printing enables designers to create complex, detailed, and vibrant designs, reducing production time and increasing design flexibility.

Knitting refers to the process of creating fabrics by interlacing yarns o… #

Related terms include knitting technology, knitwear, and textile manufacturing. Knitting involves creating fabrics with specific properties, such as stretch, texture, and insulation, which are essential for sportswear performance and comfort.

Laser cutting refers to a process that uses laser technology to cut or en… #

Related terms include laser engraving, laser marking, and digital cutting. Laser cutting enables designers to create intricate, detailed, and customized designs, reducing production time and increasing design flexibility.

Materials science refers to the study of materials and their properties,… #

Related terms include fiber science, textile science, and materials technology. Materials science involves analyzing the structure, properties, and behavior of materials to design and develop innovative, high-performance fabrics and textiles.

Membrane technology refers to the use of membranes or thin layers of mate… #

Related terms include waterproofing, breathability, and moisture management. Membrane technology enables designers to create fabrics that regulate temperature, humidity, and airflow, enhancing comfort and performance.

Moisture #

wicking refers to the ability of a fabric or material to draw moisture away from the skin and transfer it to the surface, where it can evaporate, essential for sportswear that requires thermal regulation and comfort. Related terms include breathability, moisture management, and thermal insulation. Moisture-wicking fabrics are designed to prevent the buildup of sweat and heat, reducing the risk of discomfort, chafing, and injury.

Nanotechnology refers to the use of nano #

scale materials or particles to create fabrics and textiles with specific performance characteristics, such as water repellency, UV protection, or antimicrobial properties. Related terms include nanofibers, nanocoatings, and nanotechnology. Nanotechnology enables designers to create innovative, high-performance fabrics and textiles that meet the needs of different sportswear applications and markets.

Outdoor apparel refers to clothing designed for outdoor activities, such as hiki… #

Related terms include sportswear, activewear, and performance apparel. Outdoor apparel is designed to provide protection, comfort, and performance in challenging environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, precipitation, or wind.

Pattern making refers to the process of creating templates or patterns for garme… #

Related terms include garment construction, sewing, and textile manufacturing. Pattern making involves using various techniques, tools, and materials to create patterns that meet quality, comfort, and performance standards.

Performance apparel refers to clothing designed to enhance athletic or ph… #

Related terms include sportswear, activewear, and outdoor apparel. Performance apparel is designed to provide comfort, support, and protection during exercise or competition, while also enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury.

Polyester is a type of synthetic fiber used in the production of sportswe… #

Related terms include polyamide, polypropylene, and polyester blends. Polyester fibers are often blended with other fibers to create fabrics with unique properties, such as moisture-wicking, thermal insulation, or UV protection, which are essential for sportswear performance and comfort.

Recycling refers to the process of collecting, sorting, and processing used</… #

Related terms include upcycling, downcycling, and sustainable design. Recycling enables designers to create eco-friendly, sustainable, and responsible sportswear products that meet the needs of environmentally conscious consumers.

Sportswear design refers to the process of creating clothing and accessories<… #

Related terms include apparel design, fashion design, and performance apparel. Sportswear design involves creating garments that combine performance, comfort, and style, while also meeting the needs of different markets, trends, and consumers.

Sublimation printing refers to a type of digital printing that uses heat … #

Related terms include digital printing, inkjet printing, and direct-to-garment printing. Sublimation printing enables designers to create complex, detailed, and vibrant designs, reducing production time and increasing design flexibility.

Sustainability refers to the practice of designing and producing products in a <… #

Related terms include eco-friendliness, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Sustainability involves analyzing the entire product lifecycle, from design to disposal, to create sportswear products that meet the needs of environmentally conscious consumers and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Technical textiles refer to fabrics or materials that are designed to provide sp… #

Related terms include functional textiles, high-performance textiles, and smart textiles. Technical textiles enable designers to create innovative, high-performance fabrics and textiles that meet the needs of different sportswear applications and markets.

Textile science refers to the study of textiles and their properties, use… #

Related terms include fiber science, materials science, and textile technology. Textile science involves analyzing the structure, properties, and behavior of textiles to design and develop innovative, high-performance fabrics and textiles.

Thermal insulation refers to the ability of a fabric or material to retain he… #

Related terms include moisture-wicking, breathability, and temperature regulation. Thermal insulation enables designers to create fabrics that regulate temperature, humidity, and airflow, enhancing comfort and performance.

Upcycling refers to the process of transforming used or discarded materia… #

Related terms include recycling, downcycling, and sustainable design. Upcycling enables designers to create eco-friendly, sustainable, and responsible sportswear products that meet the needs of environmentally conscious consumers.

UV protection refers to the ability of a fabric or material to block or absorb <… #

Related terms include UV resistance, UV stability, and sun protection. UV protection enables designers to create fabrics that prevent skin damage, discoloration, or degradation, enhancing comfort and safety.

Ventilation refers to the ability of a fabric or material to allow air to… #

Related terms include breathability, moisture management, and airflow. Ventilation enables designers to create fabrics that regulate temperature, humidity, and airflow, enhancing comfort and performance.

Waterproofing refers to the process of treating or coating fabrics to prevent <b… #

Related terms include water repellency, water resistance, and moisture management. Waterproofing enables designers to create fabrics that prevent water from entering or escaping, enhancing comfort, performance, and safety.

Wool is a type of natural fiber used in the production of sportswear, kno… #

Related terms include wool fabrics, wool blends, and wool textiles. Wool is often used in sportswear designs that require thermal insulation, moisture-wicking, and comfort, such as activewear, outdoor apparel, and performance clothing.

Yarn refers to a length of fibers or threads used to create fabrics or te… #

Related terms include yarn spinning, yarn dyeing, and yarn finishing. Yarn is a fundamental component of textile production, enabling designers to create fabrics with specific properties, such as texture, strength, and elasticity.

Zero #

waste design refers to a design approach that aims to minimize or eliminate waste in the production process, using techniques such as pattern making, cutting, and sewing to reduce fabric waste and scraps. Related terms include sustainable design, eco-friendly design, and responsible design. Zero-waste design enables designers to create eco-friendly, sustainable, and responsible sportswear products that meet the needs of environmentally conscious consumers and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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