CLO 3D vs garment.dev

CLO 3D is fashion design software for designing garments and visualizing how they drape. In Simulation mode, users edit patterns in a 2D window while arranging garments or poses in 3D. Print Layout mode places patterns on prints, calculates fabric consumption, and creates layouts for printing. The software includes a V-Ray renderer; GPU-accelerated V-Ray rendering through Metal is supported on Apple Silicon Macs starting with CLO v2025.0. In the 2026.0 Pattern Information window, users can inspect pattern details and switch between revisions. CLO supports importing and exporting FBX and OBJ files, and DXF-AAMA pattern files. Its API allows customized features through plugins registered from DLL or DYLIB files. CLO runs on Windows and macOS, with listed minimum requirements of Windows 11 64-bit or macOS Sonoma 14, 16 GB memory, and 10 GB SSD space. The Individual plan costs $50 a month or $450 a year; student pricing is $25 a month or $225 a year. A 14-day trial is listed, but there is no free plan.

garment.dev is browser-based software for apparel pattern work, from drafting and grading to marker nesting and production DXF. Its workspace brings patterns together with construction specifications, people, moodboards, tech packs, and bills of materials. Editing tools include pen and trace operations, linked edits, darts, pleats, fullness, seam walking, seam allowance, and photo digitization. Users can define X/Y grading rules, review validation reports, and build fabric markers with orientation, selvedge, and nap constraints. The software imports and exports DXF-AAMA/ASTM, with named interchange systems including Gerber AccuMark, CLO3D, Optitex, and StyleCAD. Team tools include roles, shared boards, live editing, follow mode, comments, and read-only mobile review. Garment.dev is in open alpha and access is by invitation. The Hobby plan is free, with limits including 2 patterns, 1 tech pack, and 1 marker. Individual is $16.20 a month, billed for 12 months; Production is $24.30 a month, billed for 12 months; Studio is $45 a month, billed yearly, with a two-person minimum.