Like many other industries, clothing manufacturers have taken advantage of technology in recent years to improve efficiency and accuracy throughout the manufacturing process. Through creating CAD patterns (Computer Aided Design) for their garments, designers can easily modify their patterns to create different styles and silhouettes. Working with CAD patterns also allows for pre-programming alterations like "low shoulder" or "stooping posture" so that the alteration is performed to the pattern automatically when the instruction is typed into the computer. When working with paper patterns exclusively, performing alterations is a very time-consuming and costly task.

The first diagram below shows the basic pattern parts (panels) required to make half of a men's tailored jacket (excluding pockets, facing and trimmings). The other half of the garment is essentially a mirror image, so for learning purposes it is only necessary to display these panels. The body of the jacket consists of 2 FRONT, SIDE and BACK panels. Each sleeve is made from two panels, the TOPSLEEVE and UNDERSLEEVE.

The other two diagrams show the panels required to make half of a pant and a vest respectively.

The dotted lines represent the locations on the panels where the core measurements are adjusted. These core measurement specifications (specs) essentially determine how the garment will fit. By adjusting the specs, and applying any required alterations (e.g. shoulders, posture), a manufacturer can create a customized garment that will fit virtually any person's shape.