pasform

Pasform is a term used in fashion and garment production to describe how well a garment fits the wearer. It encompasses the overall fit, including size, silhouette, ease, drape, and mobility. Good pasform balances the garment’s design with the wearer’s body and intended activity.

Several factors influence pasform: body measurements and shape (torso length, shoulder slope, arm length); garment design decisions (dart placement, seam lines, waistlines, collars); fabric behavior (stretch, recovery, stability, grain); and construction details (seam allowances, ease built into patterns).

Design and production use a pattern making process to achieve pasform. A sloper or block is developed, pattern pieces are drafted, and grading expands to multiple sizes. Prototypes, typically named toiles or muslins, are sewn and fitted on a model or dress form; adjustments to seams and proportions are recorded. In mass production, standardized size charts and fit samples aim to maintain consistent pasform across garments.

Fit categories commonly described as tight, regular, or relaxed; tailored garments typically aim for a precise pasform at key points (shoulders, chest, waist) while allowing movement. Knit fabrics often have more ease than wovens, altering pasform expectations. The intended use—formal wear, active wear, or outerwear—also shapes the target pasform.

Evaluating pasform includes visual inspection, movement tests, and sometimes measurements taken at point locations on the garment. In retail and e-commerce, fit warnings and size guides help customers choose garments with a suitable pasform, reducing returns and improving comfort.