A system is described to make three-dimensional shell fabrics using filament yarns and without the need for additional processing such as deep drawing (moulding), which has been adapted by SHAPE 3 Innovative Textiltechnik GmbH, of Germany. The materials are produced on electronically-con-trolled looms that incorporate additional shape-forming functions. The approach to making these materials has been to transfer the three-dimensional shaping into the weaving, in which specific lengths of warp and weft are controlled.