Page 27 - Anthropometry, Apparel Sizing and Design

22 Anthropometry, Apparel Sizing and Design

of similar demographics. This experience is similar to the traditional customized tai-
loring methods, where the customer discussed their fit preferences with an experi-
enced tailor who in turn gave feedback based on experience with many clients
(Gill, 2015). Augmented reality tools are employed to help the customer imagine
themselves in the selected outfit to create an aspirational effect. Customers on such
platforms may buy up to four more items than those who shop without these tools.
As data accrue, these deep learning tools will become more and more intelligent.
Stronger visualization tools along with style descriptions are being developed to edu-
cate the customer about the style of the garment and how it is to be worn (Miell, 2018).
These technological developments have placed the onus of garment fit determination
and assessment quite literally into the hands of the customer. More importantly, they
have bridged the gap between the customer and manufacturer by facilitating real-time
two-way communication. Incoming data will provide key insights into purchase pref-
erences of consumers. Data about body type and fit preferences as well as peer group
recommendations can be incorporated into the garment design process. Ultimately the
designer has to make the transition from real fit evaluation to the virtual environment.
While consumer interfaces for self-fit evaluation have been developed, the knowledge
to use them may not be there. All customers do not choose to engage with these inter-
faces. While solutions are available for testing and visualization of fit, the understand-
ing of the theory of garment fit is still limited. In order for the field to grow, the
theoretical principles need to be studied and applied systematically to draw up the
tools, techniques, and standards for assessing and achieving a good fit in garments
(Gill, 2015).

1.6 Conclusions

It can be concluded from the discussion earlier that automation and customization is
the key to garment manufacturing of the future. Technological developments in the
field of measuring and classifying the body, patternmaking, and fit testing are
expected to change the way in which garments are designed, produced, tested, and
sold in the future. Companies can make significant savings, and supply-chain sustain-
ability can be enhanced by shifting a majority of operations from physical to virtual
environments.
While these technologies are here to stay, more work is required to integrate them
into mainstream commercial systems. The methods need to be modified and adapted
to make them compatible with current systems of garment production. Increasing use
of digital technologies and the availability of all data in digital format imply that the
process of patternmaking and garment production, in general, will become open to
new skill sets. Computer programmers, 3-D designers, and engineers will become
an essential part of the garment industry. Designers would have to work closely with
engineers who can carry out all the computerized operations required to “engineer the
garment.” Garment designers will have to be skilled in software handling, and soft-
ware engineers would need to understand the principles of garment design and pro-
duction. This transformation of a garment designer from a creative person into a