A Study of Automated Custom Fit: Readiness of the Technology for the Apparel Industry

Abstract

Sophisticated new technologies are available to the apparel industry to create automated custom-fitted clothing; research and development of necessary data and proceduresfor 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, andfit preference issues were addressed in this study. A system for generating custom-fitted outerwearjackets was developedfor an industry collaborator, Log House Designs, and tested on ten participants. The.fit of the prototype custom jackets was compared to thefit of a set of ready-to-wearjackets. Seven of the ten participants preferred thefit of the prototype custom jacket; the remaining three were equally satisfied with both jackets.