pantsystem

Pantsystem is a hypothetical framework for organizing the construction and management of pants within fashion design and apparel manufacturing. It describes a modular approach to creating trousers by defining standard pattern blocks, grading rules, tolerances, and assembly instructions to enable scalable production and consistent fit.

Core elements include a library of pattern blocks for various pant styles (slim, straight, wide-leg), sizing by grading rules across standard size ranges, material considerations, and a production workflow that links CAD pattern data to cutting, sewing, and quality control. The concept emphasizes interoperability between design software, digital catalogs, and factory floor processes.

History and usage: The term pantsystem is not widely defined in mainstream fashion literature and is primarily used in theoretical discussions of modular garment design or in open-source design communities as an example of a pattern-based system. In practice, similar ideas exist under pattern libraries, size grading standards, and modular wardrobe systems. Proponents argue pantsystem can reduce lead times, improve fit consistency, and simplify rework; critics point to the complexity of standardizing fits across diverse body types.

See also: Pattern making, Size grading, CAD for fashion, Modular wardrobe, Pattern libraries.