Fold physics (tension points, compression points, gravity acting on cloth)
Track tension, compression, and gravity to place folds where cloth is pulled, bunched, supported, or allowed to hang.
What it is
Treat cloth as a physical object. Identify tension points, where fabric is pulled, and compression points, where extra cloth bunches. Gravity draws unsupported fabric downward, and folds show the combined forces.
Locate clothing supports and pulls, such as shoulders, hands, knees, waistbands, and belts. Folds radiate from tension points and stack or change direction at compressed areas, such as bent elbows and knees.
Start from the figure, mark the clothing’s anchor points and supports, then build folds as force lines. When the pose changes, update the tension and compression points and revise the folds accordingly.
Why it matters
Fold physics helps clothing respond to the figure and its pose. Weak control can make folds float, point randomly, or ignore the weight and support of the cloth.
You can check it when
- ✓Name the anchor or obstacle creating each main fold, such as a hand, shoulder, belt, knee, or ground.
- ✓Place folds toward or away from tension points, with stacked or changing folds at compressed areas.
- ✓Revise fold location and density when a joint bends or the pose changes.
- ✓Show a clear support line on hanging cloth, with folds descending under gravity and changing where something interrupts the hang.