diff --git a/interface/src/Application.cpp b/interface/src/Application.cpp
index e81aa7ec52..ddda0938f9 100644
--- a/interface/src/Application.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/Application.cpp
@@ -2999,8 +2999,7 @@ void Application::update(float deltaTime) {
                 getEntities()->update(); // update the models...
             }
 
-            myAvatar->harvestResultsFromPhysicsSimulation();
-            myAvatar->simulateAttachments(deltaTime);
+            myAvatar->harvestResultsFromPhysicsSimulation(deltaTime);
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.cpp b/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.cpp
index 6094a0b9fe..7bec752d96 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.cpp
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@
 #include "Util.h"
 #include "world.h"
 #include "InterfaceLogging.h"
+#include "SoftAttachmentModel.h"
 #include <Rig.h>
 
 using namespace std;
@@ -108,9 +109,6 @@ Avatar::Avatar(RigPointer rig) :
 
 Avatar::~Avatar() {
     assert(_motionState == nullptr);
-    for(auto attachment : _unusedAttachments) {
-        delete attachment;
-    }
 }
 
 const float BILLBOARD_LOD_DISTANCE = 40.0f;
@@ -257,6 +255,8 @@ void Avatar::simulate(float deltaTime) {
     // until velocity is included in AvatarData update message.
     //_position += _velocity * deltaTime;
     measureMotionDerivatives(deltaTime);
+
+    simulateAttachments(deltaTime);
 }
 
 bool Avatar::isLookingAtMe(AvatarSharedPointer avatar) const {
@@ -324,7 +324,7 @@ bool Avatar::addToScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene>
     _skeletonModel.addToScene(scene, pendingChanges);
     getHead()->getFaceModel().addToScene(scene, pendingChanges);
 
-    for (auto attachmentModel : _attachmentModels) {
+    for (auto& attachmentModel : _attachmentModels) {
         attachmentModel->addToScene(scene, pendingChanges);
     }
 
@@ -335,7 +335,7 @@ void Avatar::removeFromScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::S
     pendingChanges.removeItem(_renderItemID);
     _skeletonModel.removeFromScene(scene, pendingChanges);
     getHead()->getFaceModel().removeFromScene(scene, pendingChanges);
-    for (auto attachmentModel : _attachmentModels) {
+    for (auto& attachmentModel : _attachmentModels) {
         attachmentModel->removeFromScene(scene, pendingChanges);
     }
 }
@@ -565,15 +565,14 @@ void Avatar::fixupModelsInScene() {
         faceModel.removeFromScene(scene, pendingChanges);
         faceModel.addToScene(scene, pendingChanges);
     }
-    for (auto attachmentModel : _attachmentModels) {
+    for (auto& attachmentModel : _attachmentModels) {
         if (attachmentModel->isRenderable() && attachmentModel->needsFixupInScene()) {
             attachmentModel->removeFromScene(scene, pendingChanges);
             attachmentModel->addToScene(scene, pendingChanges);
         }
     }
-    for (auto attachmentModelToRemove : _attachmentsToRemove) {
+    for (auto& attachmentModelToRemove : _attachmentsToRemove) {
         attachmentModelToRemove->removeFromScene(scene, pendingChanges);
-        _unusedAttachments << attachmentModelToRemove;
     }
     _attachmentsToRemove.clear();
     scene->enqueuePendingChanges(pendingChanges);
@@ -603,21 +602,29 @@ bool Avatar::shouldRenderHead(const RenderArgs* renderArgs) const {
     return true;
 }
 
+// virtual
 void Avatar::simulateAttachments(float deltaTime) {
     for (int i = 0; i < _attachmentModels.size(); i++) {
         const AttachmentData& attachment = _attachmentData.at(i);
-        Model* model = _attachmentModels.at(i);
+        auto& model = _attachmentModels.at(i);
         int jointIndex = getJointIndex(attachment.jointName);
         glm::vec3 jointPosition;
         glm::quat jointRotation;
-        if (_skeletonModel.getJointPositionInWorldFrame(jointIndex, jointPosition) &&
-            _skeletonModel.getJointRotationInWorldFrame(jointIndex, jointRotation)) {
-            model->setTranslation(jointPosition + jointRotation * attachment.translation * getUniformScale());
-            model->setRotation(jointRotation * attachment.rotation);
-            model->setScaleToFit(true, getUniformScale() * attachment.scale, true); // hack to force rescale
-            model->setSnapModelToCenter(false); // hack to force resnap
-            model->setSnapModelToCenter(true);
+        if (attachment.isSoft) {
+            // soft attachments do not have transform offsets
+            model->setTranslation(getPosition());
+            model->setRotation(getOrientation() * Quaternions::Y_180);
             model->simulate(deltaTime);
+        } else {
+            if (_skeletonModel.getJointPositionInWorldFrame(jointIndex, jointPosition) &&
+                _skeletonModel.getJointRotationInWorldFrame(jointIndex, jointRotation)) {
+                model->setTranslation(jointPosition + jointRotation * attachment.translation * getUniformScale());
+                model->setRotation(jointRotation * attachment.rotation);
+                model->setScaleToFit(true, getUniformScale() * attachment.scale, true); // hack to force rescale
+                model->setSnapModelToCenter(false); // hack to force resnap
+                model->setSnapModelToCenter(true);
+                model->simulate(deltaTime);
+            }
         }
     }
 }
@@ -940,13 +947,48 @@ void Avatar::setSkeletonModelURL(const QUrl& skeletonModelURL) {
     _skeletonModel.setURL(_skeletonModelURL);
 }
 
+// create new model, can return an instance of a SoftAttachmentModel rather then Model
+static std::shared_ptr<Model> allocateAttachmentModel(bool isSoft, RigPointer rigOverride) {
+    if (isSoft) {
+        // cast to std::shared_ptr<Model>
+        return std::dynamic_pointer_cast<Model>(std::make_shared<SoftAttachmentModel>(std::make_shared<Rig>(), nullptr, rigOverride));
+    } else {
+        return std::make_shared<Model>(std::make_shared<Rig>());
+    }
+}
+
 void Avatar::setAttachmentData(const QVector<AttachmentData>& attachmentData) {
-    AvatarData::setAttachmentData(attachmentData);
     if (QThread::currentThread() != thread()) {
         QMetaObject::invokeMethod(this, "setAttachmentData", Qt::DirectConnection,
                                   Q_ARG(const QVector<AttachmentData>, attachmentData));
         return;
     }
+
+    auto oldAttachmentData = _attachmentData;
+    AvatarData::setAttachmentData(attachmentData);
+
+    // if number of attachments has been reduced, remove excess models.
+    while (_attachmentModels.size() > attachmentData.size()) {
+        auto attachmentModel = _attachmentModels.back();
+        _attachmentModels.pop_back();
+        _attachmentsToRemove.push_back(attachmentModel);
+    }
+
+    for (int i = 0; i < attachmentData.size(); i++) {
+        if (i == _attachmentModels.size()) {
+            // if number of attachments has been increased, we need to allocate a new model
+            _attachmentModels.push_back(allocateAttachmentModel(attachmentData[i].isSoft, _skeletonModel.getRig()));
+        }
+        else if (i < oldAttachmentData.size() && oldAttachmentData[i].isSoft != attachmentData[i].isSoft) {
+            // if the attachment has changed type, we need to re-allocate a new one.
+            _attachmentsToRemove.push_back(_attachmentModels[i]);
+            _attachmentModels[i] = allocateAttachmentModel(attachmentData[i].isSoft, _skeletonModel.getRig());
+        }
+        _attachmentModels[i]->setURL(attachmentData[i].modelURL);
+    }
+
+    // AJT: TODO REMOVE
+    /*
     // make sure we have as many models as attachments
     while (_attachmentModels.size() < attachmentData.size()) {
         Model* model = nullptr;
@@ -959,16 +1001,20 @@ void Avatar::setAttachmentData(const QVector<AttachmentData>& attachmentData) {
         _attachmentModels.append(model);
     }
     while (_attachmentModels.size() > attachmentData.size()) {
-        auto attachmentModel = _attachmentModels.takeLast();
-        _attachmentsToRemove << attachmentModel;
+        auto attachmentModel = _attachmentModels.back();
+        _attachmentModels.pop_back();
+        _attachmentsToRemove.push_back(attachmentModel);
     }
+    */
 
+    /*
     // update the urls
     for (int i = 0; i < attachmentData.size(); i++) {
         _attachmentModels[i]->setURL(attachmentData.at(i).modelURL);
         _attachmentModels[i]->setSnapModelToCenter(true);
         _attachmentModels[i]->setScaleToFit(true, getUniformScale() * _attachmentData.at(i).scale);
     }
+    */
 }
 
 void Avatar::setBillboard(const QByteArray& billboard) {
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.h b/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.h
index 4926212b4d..6d4477e93f 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.h
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.h
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ public:
 
     void init();
     void simulate(float deltaTime);
-    void simulateAttachments(float deltaTime);
+    virtual void simulateAttachments(float deltaTime);
 
     virtual void render(RenderArgs* renderArgs, const glm::vec3& cameraPosition);
 
@@ -177,9 +177,9 @@ protected:
 
     SkeletonModel _skeletonModel;
     glm::vec3 _skeletonOffset;
-    QVector<Model*> _attachmentModels;
-    QVector<Model*> _attachmentsToRemove;
-    QVector<Model*> _unusedAttachments;
+    std::vector<std::shared_ptr<Model>> _attachmentModels;
+    std::vector<std::shared_ptr<Model>> _attachmentsToRemove;
+
     float _bodyYawDelta;  // degrees/sec
 
     // These position histories and derivatives are in the world-frame.
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp b/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp
index c989f1dc71..000cd75784 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp
@@ -201,6 +201,11 @@ MyAvatar::~MyAvatar() {
     _lookAtTargetAvatar.reset();
 }
 
+// virtual
+void MyAvatar::simulateAttachments(float deltaTime) {
+    // don't update attachments here, do it in harvestResultsFromPhysicsSimulation()
+}
+
 QByteArray MyAvatar::toByteArray(bool cullSmallChanges, bool sendAll) {
     CameraMode mode = qApp->getCamera()->getMode();
     _globalPosition = getPosition();
@@ -621,6 +626,7 @@ void MyAvatar::saveData() {
         settings.setValue("rotation_y", eulers.y);
         settings.setValue("rotation_z", eulers.z);
         settings.setValue("scale", attachment.scale);
+        settings.setValue("isSoft", attachment.isSoft);
     }
     settings.endArray();
 
@@ -702,6 +708,7 @@ void MyAvatar::loadData() {
         eulers.z = loadSetting(settings, "rotation_z", 0.0f);
         attachment.rotation = glm::quat(eulers);
         attachment.scale = loadSetting(settings, "scale", 1.0f);
+        attachment.isSoft = settings.value("isSoft").toBool();
         attachmentData.append(attachment);
     }
     settings.endArray();
@@ -1057,7 +1064,7 @@ void MyAvatar::prepareForPhysicsSimulation() {
     _characterController.setFollowVelocity(_followVelocity);
 }
 
-void MyAvatar::harvestResultsFromPhysicsSimulation() {
+void MyAvatar::harvestResultsFromPhysicsSimulation(float deltaType) {
     glm::vec3 position = getPosition();
     glm::quat orientation = getOrientation();
     _characterController.getPositionAndOrientation(position, orientation);
@@ -1068,6 +1075,9 @@ void MyAvatar::harvestResultsFromPhysicsSimulation() {
     } else {
         setVelocity(_characterController.getLinearVelocity());
     }
+
+    // now that physics has adjusted our position, we can update attachements.
+    Avatar::simulateAttachments(deltaType);
 }
 
 void MyAvatar::adjustSensorTransform() {
@@ -1599,7 +1609,7 @@ void MyAvatar::maybeUpdateBillboard() {
     if (_billboardValid || !(_skeletonModel.isLoadedWithTextures() && getHead()->getFaceModel().isLoadedWithTextures())) {
         return;
     }
-    foreach (Model* model, _attachmentModels) {
+    for (auto& model : _attachmentModels) {
         if (!model->isLoadedWithTextures()) {
             return;
         }
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.h b/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.h
index 019ba0f992..1a5753d0a5 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.h
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.h
@@ -83,6 +83,8 @@ public:
     MyAvatar(RigPointer rig);
     ~MyAvatar();
 
+    virtual void simulateAttachments(float deltaTime) override;
+
     AudioListenerMode getAudioListenerModeHead() const { return FROM_HEAD; }
     AudioListenerMode getAudioListenerModeCamera() const { return FROM_CAMERA; }
     AudioListenerMode getAudioListenerModeCustom() const { return CUSTOM; }
@@ -204,7 +206,7 @@ public:
     MyCharacterController* getCharacterController() { return &_characterController; }
 
     void prepareForPhysicsSimulation();
-    void harvestResultsFromPhysicsSimulation();
+    void harvestResultsFromPhysicsSimulation(float deltaTime);
     void adjustSensorTransform();
 
     const QString& getCollisionSoundURL() { return _collisionSoundURL; }
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/SoftAttachmentModel.cpp b/interface/src/avatar/SoftAttachmentModel.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..92534f01ea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/SoftAttachmentModel.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+//
+//  SoftAttachmentModel.cpp
+//  interface/src/avatar
+//
+//  Created by Anthony J. Thibault on 12/17/15.
+//  Copyright 2013 High Fidelity, Inc.
+//
+//  Distributed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
+//  See the accompanying file LICENSE or http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.html
+//
+
+#include "SoftAttachmentModel.h"
+#include "InterfaceLogging.h"
+
+SoftAttachmentModel::SoftAttachmentModel(RigPointer rig, QObject* parent, RigPointer rigOverride) :
+    Model(rig, parent),
+    _rigOverride(rigOverride) {
+    assert(_rig);
+    assert(_rigOverride);
+}
+
+SoftAttachmentModel::~SoftAttachmentModel() {
+}
+
+// virtual
+void SoftAttachmentModel::updateRig(float deltaTime, glm::mat4 parentTransform) {
+    _needsUpdateClusterMatrices = true;
+}
+
+int SoftAttachmentModel::getJointIndexOverride(int i) const {
+    QString name = _rig->nameOfJoint(i);
+    if (name.isEmpty()) {
+        return -1;
+    }
+    return _rigOverride->indexOfJoint(name);
+}
+
+// virtual
+// use the _rigOverride matrices instead of the Model::_rig
+void SoftAttachmentModel::updateClusterMatrices(glm::vec3 modelPosition, glm::quat modelOrientation) {
+    if (!_needsUpdateClusterMatrices) {
+        return;
+    }
+    _needsUpdateClusterMatrices = false;
+
+    const FBXGeometry& geometry = _geometry->getFBXGeometry();
+
+    glm::mat4 modelToWorld = glm::mat4_cast(modelOrientation);
+    for (int i = 0; i < _meshStates.size(); i++) {
+        MeshState& state = _meshStates[i];
+        const FBXMesh& mesh = geometry.meshes.at(i);
+
+        for (int j = 0; j < mesh.clusters.size(); j++) {
+            const FBXCluster& cluster = mesh.clusters.at(j);
+
+            // TODO: cache these look ups as an optimization
+            int jointIndexOverride = getJointIndexOverride(cluster.jointIndex);
+            glm::mat4 jointMatrix(glm::mat4::_null);
+            if (jointIndexOverride >= 0 && jointIndexOverride < _rigOverride->getJointStateCount()) {
+                jointMatrix = _rigOverride->getJointTransform(jointIndexOverride);
+            } else {
+                jointMatrix = _rig->getJointTransform(cluster.jointIndex);
+            }
+            state.clusterMatrices[j] = modelToWorld * jointMatrix * cluster.inverseBindMatrix;
+        }
+
+        // Once computed the cluster matrices, update the buffer(s)
+        if (mesh.clusters.size() > 1) {
+            if (!state.clusterBuffer) {
+                state.clusterBuffer = std::make_shared<gpu::Buffer>(state.clusterMatrices.size() * sizeof(glm::mat4),
+                                                                    (const gpu::Byte*) state.clusterMatrices.constData());
+            } else {
+                state.clusterBuffer->setSubData(0, state.clusterMatrices.size() * sizeof(glm::mat4),
+                                                (const gpu::Byte*) state.clusterMatrices.constData());
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // post the blender if we're not currently waiting for one to finish
+    if (geometry.hasBlendedMeshes() && _blendshapeCoefficients != _blendedBlendshapeCoefficients) {
+        _blendedBlendshapeCoefficients = _blendshapeCoefficients;
+        DependencyManager::get<ModelBlender>()->noteRequiresBlend(this);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/SoftAttachmentModel.h b/interface/src/avatar/SoftAttachmentModel.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..84a8b4cc66
--- /dev/null
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/SoftAttachmentModel.h
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+//
+//  SoftAttachmentModel.h
+//  interface/src/avatar
+//
+//  Created by Anthony J. Thibault on 12/17/15.
+//  Copyright 2015 High Fidelity, Inc.
+//
+//  Distributed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
+//  See the accompanying file LICENSE or http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.html
+//
+
+#ifndef hifi_SoftAttachmentModel_h
+#define hifi_SoftAttachmentModel_h
+
+#include <Model.h>
+
+// A model that allows the creator to specify a secondary rig instance.
+// When the cluster matrices are created for rendering, the
+// cluster matrices will use the secondary rig for the joint poses
+// instead of the primary rig.
+//
+// This is used by Avatar instances to wear clothing that follows the same
+// animated pose as the SkeletonModel.
+
+class SoftAttachmentModel : public Model {
+    Q_OBJECT
+
+public:
+
+    SoftAttachmentModel(RigPointer rig, QObject* parent, RigPointer rigOverride);
+    ~SoftAttachmentModel();
+
+    virtual void updateRig(float deltaTime, glm::mat4 parentTransform) override;
+    virtual void updateClusterMatrices(glm::vec3 modelPosition, glm::quat modelOrientation) override;
+
+protected:
+    int getJointIndexOverride(int i) const;
+
+    RigPointer _rigOverride;
+};
+
+#endif // hifi_SoftAttachmentModel_h
diff --git a/interface/src/ui/AttachmentsDialog.cpp b/interface/src/ui/AttachmentsDialog.cpp
index 1d53eb3871..d718b52d6d 100644
--- a/interface/src/ui/AttachmentsDialog.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/ui/AttachmentsDialog.cpp
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 #include <QPushButton>
 #include <QScrollArea>
 #include <QVBoxLayout>
+#include <QCheckBox>
 
 #include <avatar/AvatarManager.h>
 #include <avatar/MyAvatar.h>
@@ -27,13 +28,13 @@
 
 AttachmentsDialog::AttachmentsDialog(QWidget* parent) :
     QDialog(parent) {
-    
+
     setWindowTitle("Edit Attachments");
     setAttribute(Qt::WA_DeleteOnClose);
-    
+
     QVBoxLayout* layout = new QVBoxLayout();
     setLayout(layout);
-    
+
     QScrollArea* area = new QScrollArea();
     layout->addWidget(area);
     area->setWidgetResizable(true);
@@ -42,26 +43,26 @@ AttachmentsDialog::AttachmentsDialog(QWidget* parent) :
     container->setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy::Ignored, QSizePolicy::Preferred);
     area->setWidget(container);
     _attachments->addStretch(1);
-    
+
     foreach (const AttachmentData& data, DependencyManager::get<AvatarManager>()->getMyAvatar()->getAttachmentData()) {
         addAttachment(data);
     }
-    
+
     QPushButton* newAttachment = new QPushButton("New Attachment");
     connect(newAttachment, SIGNAL(clicked(bool)), SLOT(addAttachment()));
     layout->addWidget(newAttachment);
-    
+
     QDialogButtonBox* buttons = new QDialogButtonBox(QDialogButtonBox::Ok);
     layout->addWidget(buttons);
     connect(buttons, SIGNAL(accepted()), SLOT(deleteLater()));
     _ok = buttons->button(QDialogButtonBox::Ok);
-    
+
     setMinimumSize(600, 600);
 }
 
 void AttachmentsDialog::setVisible(bool visible) {
     QDialog::setVisible(visible);
-    
+
     // un-default the OK button
     if (visible) {
         _ok->setDefault(false);
@@ -104,11 +105,11 @@ AttachmentPanel::AttachmentPanel(AttachmentsDialog* dialog, const AttachmentData
         _dialog(dialog),
         _applying(false) {
     setFrameStyle(QFrame::StyledPanel);
- 
+
     QFormLayout* layout = new QFormLayout();
     layout->setFieldGrowthPolicy(QFormLayout::AllNonFixedFieldsGrow);
     setLayout(layout);
- 
+
     QHBoxLayout* urlBox = new QHBoxLayout();
     layout->addRow("Model URL:", urlBox);
     urlBox->addWidget(_modelURL = new QLineEdit(data.modelURL.toString()), 1);
@@ -117,7 +118,7 @@ AttachmentPanel::AttachmentPanel(AttachmentsDialog* dialog, const AttachmentData
     QPushButton* chooseURL = new QPushButton("Choose");
     urlBox->addWidget(chooseURL);
     connect(chooseURL, SIGNAL(clicked(bool)), SLOT(chooseModelURL()));
-    
+
     layout->addRow("Joint:", _jointName = new QComboBox());
     QSharedPointer<NetworkGeometry> geometry = DependencyManager::get<AvatarManager>()->getMyAvatar()->getSkeletonModel().getGeometry();
     if (geometry && geometry->isLoaded()) {
@@ -127,26 +128,30 @@ AttachmentPanel::AttachmentPanel(AttachmentsDialog* dialog, const AttachmentData
     }
     _jointName->setCurrentText(data.jointName);
     connect(_jointName, SIGNAL(currentIndexChanged(int)), SLOT(jointNameChanged()));
-    
+
     QHBoxLayout* translationBox = new QHBoxLayout();
     translationBox->addWidget(_translationX = createTranslationBox(this, data.translation.x));
     translationBox->addWidget(_translationY = createTranslationBox(this, data.translation.y));
     translationBox->addWidget(_translationZ = createTranslationBox(this, data.translation.z));
     layout->addRow("Translation:", translationBox);
-    
+
     QHBoxLayout* rotationBox = new QHBoxLayout();
     glm::vec3 eulers = glm::degrees(safeEulerAngles(data.rotation));
     rotationBox->addWidget(_rotationX = createRotationBox(this, eulers.x));
     rotationBox->addWidget(_rotationY = createRotationBox(this, eulers.y));
     rotationBox->addWidget(_rotationZ = createRotationBox(this, eulers.z));
     layout->addRow("Rotation:", rotationBox);
-    
+
     layout->addRow("Scale:", _scale = new QDoubleSpinBox());
     _scale->setSingleStep(0.01);
     _scale->setMaximum(FLT_MAX);
     _scale->setValue(data.scale);
     connect(_scale, SIGNAL(valueChanged(double)), SLOT(updateAttachmentData()));
-    
+
+    layout->addRow("Is Soft:", _isSoft = new QCheckBox());
+    _isSoft->setChecked(data.isSoft);
+    connect(_isSoft, SIGNAL(stateChanged(int)), SLOT(updateAttachmentData()));
+
     QPushButton* remove = new QPushButton("Delete");
     layout->addRow(remove);
     connect(remove, SIGNAL(clicked(bool)), SLOT(deleteLater()));
@@ -160,6 +165,7 @@ AttachmentData AttachmentPanel::getAttachmentData() const {
     data.translation = glm::vec3(_translationX->value(), _translationY->value(), _translationZ->value());
     data.rotation = glm::quat(glm::radians(glm::vec3(_rotationX->value(), _rotationY->value(), _rotationZ->value())));
     data.scale = _scale->value();
+    data.isSoft = _isSoft->isChecked();
     return data;
 }
 
@@ -227,6 +233,7 @@ void AttachmentPanel::applyAttachmentData(const AttachmentData& attachment) {
     _rotationY->setValue(eulers.y);
     _rotationZ->setValue(eulers.z);
     _scale->setValue(attachment.scale);
+    _isSoft->setChecked(attachment.isSoft);
     _applying = false;
     _dialog->updateAttachmentData();
 }
diff --git a/interface/src/ui/AttachmentsDialog.h b/interface/src/ui/AttachmentsDialog.h
index d3b9219a16..43ba5f8f3e 100644
--- a/interface/src/ui/AttachmentsDialog.h
+++ b/interface/src/ui/AttachmentsDialog.h
@@ -36,11 +36,11 @@ public slots:
     void updateAttachmentData();
 
 private slots:
-    
+
     void addAttachment(const AttachmentData& data = AttachmentData());
 
 private:
-    
+
     QVBoxLayout* _attachments;
     QPushButton* _ok;
 };
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ class AttachmentPanel : public QFrame {
     Q_OBJECT
 
 public:
-    
+
     AttachmentPanel(AttachmentsDialog* dialog, const AttachmentData& data = AttachmentData());
 
     AttachmentData getAttachmentData() const;
@@ -64,9 +64,9 @@ private slots:
     void updateAttachmentData();
 
 private:
-    
+
     void applyAttachmentData(const AttachmentData& attachment);
-    
+
     AttachmentsDialog* _dialog;
     QLineEdit* _modelURL;
     QComboBox* _jointName;
@@ -77,6 +77,7 @@ private:
     QDoubleSpinBox* _rotationY;
     QDoubleSpinBox* _rotationZ;
     QDoubleSpinBox* _scale;
+    QCheckBox* _isSoft;
     bool _applying;
 };
 
diff --git a/libraries/animation/src/Rig.cpp b/libraries/animation/src/Rig.cpp
index 4dd091f1d6..c6060d791a 100644
--- a/libraries/animation/src/Rig.cpp
+++ b/libraries/animation/src/Rig.cpp
@@ -245,6 +245,14 @@ int Rig::indexOfJoint(const QString& jointName) const {
     }
 }
 
+QString Rig::nameOfJoint(int jointIndex) const {
+    if (_animSkeleton) {
+        return _animSkeleton->getJointName(jointIndex);
+    } else {
+        return "";
+    }
+}
+
 void Rig::setModelOffset(const glm::mat4& modelOffsetMat) {
     AnimPose newModelOffset = AnimPose(modelOffsetMat);
     if (!isEqual(_modelOffset.trans, newModelOffset.trans) ||
diff --git a/libraries/animation/src/Rig.h b/libraries/animation/src/Rig.h
index 9faf93e40b..669af2ea64 100644
--- a/libraries/animation/src/Rig.h
+++ b/libraries/animation/src/Rig.h
@@ -91,6 +91,7 @@ public:
     bool jointStatesEmpty();
     int getJointStateCount() const;
     int indexOfJoint(const QString& jointName) const;
+    QString nameOfJoint(int jointIndex) const;
 
     void setModelOffset(const glm::mat4& modelOffsetMat);
 
diff --git a/libraries/avatars/src/AvatarData.cpp b/libraries/avatars/src/AvatarData.cpp
index 2ed9a47e02..d5e756d6db 100644
--- a/libraries/avatars/src/AvatarData.cpp
+++ b/libraries/avatars/src/AvatarData.cpp
@@ -1260,6 +1260,7 @@ void AvatarData::updateJointMappings() {
 static const QString JSON_ATTACHMENT_URL = QStringLiteral("modelUrl");
 static const QString JSON_ATTACHMENT_JOINT_NAME = QStringLiteral("jointName");
 static const QString JSON_ATTACHMENT_TRANSFORM = QStringLiteral("transform");
+static const QString JSON_ATTACHMENT_IS_SOFT = QStringLiteral("isSoft");
 
 QJsonObject AttachmentData::toJson() const {
     QJsonObject result;
@@ -1278,6 +1279,7 @@ QJsonObject AttachmentData::toJson() const {
     if (!transform.isIdentity()) {
         result[JSON_ATTACHMENT_TRANSFORM] = Transform::toJson(transform);
     }
+    result[JSON_ATTACHMENT_IS_SOFT] = isSoft;
     return result;
 }
 
@@ -1302,21 +1304,25 @@ void AttachmentData::fromJson(const QJsonObject& json) {
         rotation = transform.getRotation();
         scale = transform.getScale().x;
     }
+
+    if (json.contains(JSON_ATTACHMENT_IS_SOFT)) {
+        isSoft = json[JSON_ATTACHMENT_IS_SOFT].toBool();
+    }
 }
 
 bool AttachmentData::operator==(const AttachmentData& other) const {
     return modelURL == other.modelURL && jointName == other.jointName && translation == other.translation &&
-        rotation == other.rotation && scale == other.scale;
+        rotation == other.rotation && scale == other.scale && isSoft == other.isSoft;
 }
 
 QDataStream& operator<<(QDataStream& out, const AttachmentData& attachment) {
     return out << attachment.modelURL << attachment.jointName <<
-        attachment.translation << attachment.rotation << attachment.scale;
+        attachment.translation << attachment.rotation << attachment.scale << attachment.isSoft;
 }
 
 QDataStream& operator>>(QDataStream& in, AttachmentData& attachment) {
     return in >> attachment.modelURL >> attachment.jointName >>
-        attachment.translation >> attachment.rotation >> attachment.scale;
+        attachment.translation >> attachment.rotation >> attachment.scale >> attachment.isSoft;
 }
 
 void AttachmentDataObject::setModelURL(const QString& modelURL) const {
diff --git a/libraries/avatars/src/AvatarData.h b/libraries/avatars/src/AvatarData.h
index 64c215cee7..bb35a6ea29 100644
--- a/libraries/avatars/src/AvatarData.h
+++ b/libraries/avatars/src/AvatarData.h
@@ -437,9 +437,10 @@ public:
     glm::vec3 translation;
     glm::quat rotation;
     float scale { 1.0f };
-    
+    bool isSoft { false };
+
     bool isValid() const { return modelURL.isValid(); }
-    
+
     bool operator==(const AttachmentData& other) const;
 
     QJsonObject toJson() const;
diff --git a/libraries/networking/src/udt/PacketHeaders.cpp b/libraries/networking/src/udt/PacketHeaders.cpp
index 4daf7f83b6..ca869ec29f 100644
--- a/libraries/networking/src/udt/PacketHeaders.cpp
+++ b/libraries/networking/src/udt/PacketHeaders.cpp
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ PacketVersion versionForPacketType(PacketType packetType) {
             return VERSION_ENTITIES_REMOVED_START_AUTOMATICALLY_FROM_ANIMATION_PROPERTY_GROUP;
         case PacketType::AvatarData:
         case PacketType::BulkAvatarData:
-            return 17;
+            return static_cast<PacketVersion>(AvatarMixerPacketVersion::SoftAttachmentSupport);
         default:
             return 17;
     }
diff --git a/libraries/networking/src/udt/PacketHeaders.h b/libraries/networking/src/udt/PacketHeaders.h
index 5daa185af4..3b4b358daf 100644
--- a/libraries/networking/src/udt/PacketHeaders.h
+++ b/libraries/networking/src/udt/PacketHeaders.h
@@ -163,4 +163,9 @@ const PacketVersion VERSION_ENTITIES_POLYLINE_TEXTURE = 50;
 const PacketVersion VERSION_ENTITIES_HAVE_PARENTS = 51;
 const PacketVersion VERSION_ENTITIES_REMOVED_START_AUTOMATICALLY_FROM_ANIMATION_PROPERTY_GROUP = 52;
 
+enum class AvatarMixerPacketVersion : PacketVersion {
+    TranslationSupport = 17,
+    SoftAttachmentSupport
+};
+
 #endif // hifi_PacketHeaders_h
diff --git a/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.cpp b/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.cpp
index dbd3a6289f..efaa79ddbb 100644
--- a/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.cpp
+++ b/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.cpp
@@ -971,11 +971,14 @@ void Model::updateRig(float deltaTime, glm::mat4 parentTransform) {
     _needsUpdateClusterMatrices = true;
     _rig->updateAnimations(deltaTime, parentTransform);
 }
+
 void Model::simulateInternal(float deltaTime) {
     // update the world space transforms for all joints
     glm::mat4 parentTransform = glm::scale(_scale) * glm::translate(_offset);
     updateRig(deltaTime, parentTransform);
 }
+
+// virtual
 void Model::updateClusterMatrices(glm::vec3 modelPosition, glm::quat modelOrientation) {
     PerformanceTimer perfTimer("Model::updateClusterMatrices");
 
diff --git a/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.h b/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.h
index a93338e41a..3416a9b71e 100644
--- a/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.h
+++ b/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.h
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ public:
     bool getSnapModelToRegistrationPoint() { return _snapModelToRegistrationPoint; }
 
     virtual void simulate(float deltaTime, bool fullUpdate = true);
-    void updateClusterMatrices(glm::vec3 modelPosition, glm::quat modelOrientation);
+    virtual void updateClusterMatrices(glm::vec3 modelPosition, glm::quat modelOrientation);
 
     /// Returns a reference to the shared geometry.
     const QSharedPointer<NetworkGeometry>& getGeometry() const { return _geometry; }
@@ -312,7 +312,7 @@ protected:
     // hook for derived classes to be notified when setUrl invalidates the current model.
     virtual void onInvalidate() {};
 
-private:
+protected:
 
     void deleteGeometry();
     void initJointTransforms();
@@ -370,7 +370,6 @@ private:
     bool _showCollisionHull = false;
 
     friend class ModelMeshPartPayload;
-protected:
     RigPointer _rig;
 };