E-Fit: the latest technology for a perfect fit
Introduction
Before a few years the concept of ready-made garments did not exist, there were only clothes made to measure. In economically backward families, the women in the family usually sew the garments, and upper-class families have the garments sewn by tailors. The professional fit of the garment suggests the differentiation of classes.
But nowadays, sewing clothes at home has become more of a hobby and leisure activity and people prefer ready-made and tailor-made clothes. Buying ready-to-wear garments has become cheaper than getting your clothes sewn to measure. Since specially made clothing requires more money and time, as the tailor has to individually measure, design and sew the garments.
The greatest advance in garment manufacturing occurred in the early 20th century. Tailors, instead of making custom clothes for their clients, began to graduate sizes, that is, a set of standard sizes that would fit the maximum number of people. However, due to industrialization and the invention of power looms, the costs of ready-made garments were reduced to a minimum.
The advent of ready-made clothing diminished the class differentiation that prevailed due to the clothing of the masses. Although these ready-to-wear garments fit better than tailored clothing. Back when tape measures weren’t invented, tailors used to take individual customers’ body measurements via strips of parchment. This was a very time consuming procedure and also difficult to maintain.
e fit
In today’s technologically advancing world, apparel companies are turning to various computer programs to deliver perfect fit and individual-appropriate designs, so custom clothing can be made easily and inexpensively.
The process of getting the clothes that fit us by entering body measurement details into the computer, which would let us know which clothes from the whole store could fit us perfectly, is known as ‘E-fit’. There are different types of electronic fitting methods used by different clothing companies to offer custom fit and designs to their customers. At some name-brand jean stores, customers can choose styles, finishes, fabrics, inseam lengths, and leg opening sizes; additional individual measurements are entered into the computer along with these details. The computer then reflects the jeans from the entire store stock that would fit the customer. Thus, one can find jeans that exactly match his choice. These data are saved in computer records so that the next time they can be retrieved without wasting time.
The latest innovation in e-fit is offering personalized clothing through 3D body scanning. Here, the customer’s body measurements are taken by the 3D body scanner, this detail is entered into the computer, with the help of a trained salesperson, allowing the styling, design, fabrics and fit styles to be selected. Thus, the customer gets perfect fitting garments. Scan data and other information is stored in the computer for future orders.
The technology behind it
Retailers use many technologies such as body scanning, barcodes, laser cutters, and various web applications for mass customization of garments. CAD/CAM and body scanning technologies make it easy to deliver garments of the desired fit and pattern to the customer. The advent of this innovative e-fit technology helps achieve clothing accurately and quickly.
Self-measurement for Internet shopping is generally not perfect, so 3D body scan solves the drawbacks of self-measurement. The result of this technology is precise and impeccable. The body scan procedure is very fast, taking around twelve seconds. It is then transferred to the computer where the software generates the body measurements. The entire procedure is barely a minute.
CAD/CAM technology involves pre-production design functions. From surface design to pattern making, it does all the processes. The type of information used here is digital in nature. Provides the ability to create, change, archive, save, and reuse patterns and measurements. However, the data is stored in a particular format in this technology.
A 3D body scanner consists of several components such as a 3D body measurement software, a custom garment design system, and a virtual mirror software. This system performs the entire body scanning process to virtually fit the selected garment into the 3D image that is created on the computer. Then the customer information is stored on the computer in an organized manner.
Process
To obtain the e-fit measurement, the client enters the body scanner, removes their clothing, and wears disposable underwear. Light rays then fall on the client’s body, which in turn creates a 3D image with all possible body measurements from all angles. This procedure takes only a few seconds. Furthermore, the customer changes back to their normal clothing and purchases the desirable garments, then the chosen garment is virtually fitted in the 3D image where the customer can see whether or not it would fit and could also check the fit. The 3D body scan image data is stored in the computer database so that it can be used for reordering.
The rise of e-fit technology has made it possible to get custom fitted and patterned garments despite the fact that there are a huge number of combinations of body types and measurements. The pattern developed through automated pattern development software can be combined with the body measurement generated by 3D body scanning software. However, the proper adjustment of the human body in a complicated way through e-fit is also a somewhat difficult task.
conclusion
The e-fit concept is new to the field of apparel retailing and merchandising. This technology is in its primitive stage but has started to show positive results. It is expected that in the coming years, e-fit technology will completely change the scenario of personalized customer shopping experience. Save time and waste of resources as there are no unnecessary fittings and returns of garments.