In this paper, a 3D graphics environment for virtual garment design and simulation is presented. The proposed system enables the three dimensional construction of a garment from its cloth panels, for which the underlying structure is a mass-spring model. The garment construction process is performed through automatic pattern generation, posterior correction, and seaming. Afterwards, it is possible to do fitting on virtual mannequins as if in a real life tailor's workshop. The system provides the users with the flexibility to design their own garment patterns and make changes on the garment even after the dressing of the model. Furthermore, rendering alternatives for the visualization of knitted and woven fabric are presented. © 2007 IEEE.