Adopting 3D Body Scanning in Customized Apparel Design: Cultural, Technical, and Perceptual Barriers of Fashion Designers, Pattern Maker, and Final Users Technology

This study examines the technical, operational, and socio-cultural aspects of 3D body scanning, investigating consumer perceptions and the experiences of fashion operators in integrating 3D body scanning into digital fashion workflows. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, with approximately twenty-three participants completing surveys before and after scanning sessions using the We Wear (Prisma Tech) cabin, assessing their emotional responses, trust, and usability. In parallel, eight fashion operators, including designers and patternmakers, participated in semi-structured interviews to examine digital measurement extraction, avatar generation, digital-to-analog conversion, and parametric pattern making. Consumers reported that the 3D body scanning experience was generally positive, describing it as fast, intuitive, and non-invasive, with increased confidence in its ease of use after the session. However, some concerns remained about body image discomfort and the perceived loss of a fashion craftmanship touch. Fashion operators valued body scanning for enhancing fit, reducing waste, and enabling visualization and pre-prototyping; however, they noted challenges, including measurement and landmarking inconsistencies, misalignment with manual methods, mesh quality issues in converting digital avatars, and limited software interoperability. This highlights the need for streamlined digital processes and more effective training. A revised workflow framework is proposed to bridge gaps between analog and digital practices across fashion design workflows.