A fit session (fitting) is a meeting where a sample garment is tried on a fit model (or dress form) to evaluate and correct its fit. It's where patterns get perfected before production.
Who Attends
The core team is the technical designer and the pattern maker, with the designer weighing in on aesthetic calls. Production and merchandising sometimes attend to flag cost or timing implications of fit changes.
What Happens
- The model tries on the sample - in the base size, usually
- The team evaluates - fit, balance, proportions, drape
- Corrections are pinned - marked directly on the garment
- Everything is documented - notes and photos for the pattern maker
Fit Session Outcomes
Each session produces pattern corrections, an updated tech pack, and either another sample round or fit approval. Fit approval is the green light that the pattern is production-ready.
FAQs
- What is a fit model?
- A person whose measurements match the brand's base size, hired to try on samples consistently.
- How many fit sessions per style?
- Typically 2-4 rounds from proto to approved fit.
- Can fit sessions be done remotely?
- Photos and video help, but in-person is far better for evaluating drape and movement.
Glossary: see the full fashion glossary for more apparel industry terms.