A study of automated custom fit: Readiness of the Technology for the apparel industry

Sophisticated new technologies are available to the apparel industry to create automated custom-fitted clothing; research and development of necessary data and procedures for implementing these programs must be within reach of apparel companies to successfully implement custom fit. This study explores issues in setting up a custom apparel patternmaking process using 3D body scanning and software designed to automate patternmaking. Questions related to measurement reliability and validity, data and knowledge needed to create and test required system variables, and fit preference issues were addressed in this study. A system for generating custom-fitted outerwear jackets was developed for an industry collaborator, Log House Designs, and tested on ten participants. The fit of the prototype custom jackets was compared to the fit of a set of ready-to-wear jackets. Seven of the ten participants preferred the fit of the prototype custom jacket; the remaining three were equally satisfied with both jackets.