About
Shima Seiki MFG., LTD., headquartered in Wakayama, Japan, is a pioneering technology provider in the computerized flatbed knitting machine industry. For decades, they have delivered end-to-end solutions spanning machine hardware, design software, and digital services — empowering fashion, sports, healthcare, automotive, and industrial sectors worldwide. At the core of their software offering is APEXFiz®, a professional apparel design platform that generates photorealistic virtual garment samples, helping brands reduce physical sample waste and accelerate product development cycles. Complementing this is SHIMA KnitManager™, a production management system, and yarnbank®, a digital yarn sourcing web service that connects designers with material suppliers. Shima Seiki's proprietary WHOLEGARMENT® technology enables the production of seamless, complete garments directly from knitting machines — eliminating cut-and-sew processes, reducing material waste, and improving fit. Their Total Fashion System philosophy integrates the plan-produce-sell workflow into a smart, sustainable pipeline that supports SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) compliance. The company serves a broad range of industries including fashion, sports and outdoors, healthcare, footwear, home furnishings, automotive, aeronautical, and industrial materials. Their global network and online services portal — offering tutorials, FAQs, and data downloads — provide comprehensive user support at every stage of the product supply chain. Shima Seiki is the ideal technology partner for manufacturers and brands seeking to modernize, digitize, and sustainably scale their knitting and apparel operations.
Key Features
- APEXFiz® Virtual Sampling: Professional apparel design software that generates photorealistic virtual garment samples, reducing the need for costly and wasteful physical prototypes.
- WHOLEGARMENT® Knitting Technology: Proprietary seamless knitting technology that produces complete garments in a single machine pass, eliminating cut-and-sew operations and minimizing material waste.
- Total Fashion System: An integrated supply chain platform connecting the plan, produce, and sell phases of apparel manufacturing into a cohesive, smart, and sustainable workflow.
- yarnbank® Digital Yarn Sourcing: An online digital yarn library and sourcing service that helps designers discover and procure materials directly within their design workflow.
- SHIMA KnitManager™: A production management system that provides oversight and control of knitting machine operations, scheduling, and output quality tracking.
Use Cases
- Fashion brands using APEXFiz® to create virtual garment samples and reduce physical sample production costs and environmental impact.
- Apparel manufacturers adopting WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines to produce seamless knitwear at scale with reduced labor and zero cut-and-sew waste.
- Sports and outdoor brands designing high-performance seamless athletic wear with precise technical specifications directly from CAD/CAM systems.
- Healthcare and medical textile manufacturers using computerized knitting machines to produce compression garments, prosthetic liners, and technical fabrics.
- Industrial and automotive suppliers leveraging Shima Seiki's knitting technology to manufacture technical composite textiles for aeronautical and automotive applications.
Pros
- End-to-End Integrated Solution: Shima Seiki covers the entire apparel production lifecycle — from digital design and virtual sampling to machine production and sales support — within a single ecosystem.
- Industry-Leading WHOLEGARMENT® Technology: Their seamless knitting technology is a competitive differentiator that reduces waste, labor costs, and production time for manufacturers.
- Strong Sustainability Focus: Virtual sampling and WHOLEGARMENT® production methods significantly reduce fabric waste and carbon footprint, supporting SDG compliance for environmentally conscious brands.
- Global Support Network: A worldwide network combined with an online services portal offering tutorials, FAQs, and data downloads ensures users receive support at every stage.
Cons
- Enterprise-Level Investment: Hardware machines and integrated CAD/CAM software systems represent a significant capital investment, making Shima Seiki solutions primarily accessible to established manufacturers and large brands.
- Steep Learning Curve: The breadth of the Total Fashion System — spanning design software, production management, and machine operation — requires substantial training and onboarding time.
- Narrow Industry Focus: The platform is highly specialized for knitting and apparel manufacturing, limiting its applicability to businesses outside the textile and fashion sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WHOLEGARMENT® technology?
WHOLEGARMENT® is Shima Seiki's proprietary knitting technology that produces complete, seamless garments directly on a flat knitting machine in a single operation, removing the need for cut-and-sew assembly and drastically reducing material waste.
What does APEXFiz® design software do?
APEXFiz® is Shima Seiki's flagship apparel design software that enables fashion designers to create photorealistic virtual garment samples, simulating fabric textures, colors, and drape to minimize the need for physical prototypes.
What industries does Shima Seiki serve?
Shima Seiki serves a wide range of industries including fashion, sports and outdoors, healthcare, footwear and accessories, home furnishings, automotive, aeronautical, and industrial materials manufacturing.
What is the Total Fashion System?
The Total Fashion System is Shima Seiki's philosophy and integrated product ecosystem that links the planning, production, and sales phases of apparel manufacturing into a unified, sustainable, and efficient supply chain.
What is yarnbank®?
yarnbank® is a digital yarn sourcing web service provided by Shima Seiki that allows designers and manufacturers to browse, compare, and source yarn materials digitally, integrating seamlessly with their design and production workflow.
