Fit is one of the important criteria for consumers in their purchase decision. Each garment manufacturer has a target segment with certain demographic characteristics, which define the consumer profile. To get the best fit and sizing dimensions, the manufacturer spends large amounts of money. The best size range can be a key success factor for manufacturers. To implement this, many companies are using advanced technologies and strategies to size device systems and sizing categories.
The following are the core aspects of the sizing problem:
Collection of data on age, body structure, and ethnicity: Data can be collected using a sample survey method that can represent the population as a whole. The selection of the sample is very important since they are the basis for reaching conclusions. Various statistical tools can help obtain the range and variation of sizes found in people. Businesses today are better equipped with technologies like automated measurement and 3D body scanning. These tools facilitate more efficient and affordable data collection for apparel manufacturing companies.
Demographics: Data such as age, income, education, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status are also important factors that affect size, but unfortunately very few manufacturers work with such data.
Idea about accessories: Pattern makers, graders, designers and the clients themselves, all have different perceptions about the best fit. The designer has his idea about the combination between the size of the outfit and the dimension of the body that will give you the perfect look. Pattern makers seek to maintain this look on a variety of bodies. Customers have their personal preferences and perceptions about which size offers the best look and feel of comfort. The effectiveness of the sizing system is highly dependent on the skills of pattern makers and raters to identify, define, and manufacture the type of fit that is appropriate for the target market. Some of the tools and strategies to facilitate this are objective body scanning, market surveys, wear tests, and virtual fit evaluation.
Style, design and material, as well as the production methods used: each style defines the relationship between body and size. Each new style of attire that is produced aims to fit a variety of bodies in an acceptable way. Some styles like baggy can fit many bodies with a marginal difference. The design of a garment also influences the fit, especially when the design is complex.
Materials with stretch characteristics can be adapted to a wider range of bodies.
Various stages in production significantly affect the final specifications of a garment. Improper fabric selection, shrinkage, defects in machinery, errors in fabrication and marker cutting, and inaccurate sewing can all distort the expected size. For such problems, the need for production management can make use of SQC (statistical quality control) techniques and emphasize quality control and consistency.
Size Labels: Communication of clothing sizes is also one of the crucial issues. Many times it is seen that consumers are confused with the sizes. They can’t correlate numbers with body measurements, so they prefer to try on multiple sizes of the same item. The reason behind this is the lack of standardization of label sizes between manufacturers. To get rid of this problem, manufacturers are using terms like slim, classic, and relaxed fit. This problem is more complex for women’s clothing than for men’s. Women’s clothing is generally labeled with size numbers that are not related to any particular dimension of the body or garment. Men’s sizing typically corresponds to body measurements.