INDIAsize, a national sizing survey, will be conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, to develop a comprehensive size chart for the ready-to-wear industry based on the body measurements of the Indian population. It is a scientific exercise where anthropometric data will be collected from a sample population in the age group 15 to 65 years to create a database of measurements that will result in a standardized size chart which is representative of the Indian population and can be adopted by the apparel industry.
A large percentage of shoppers face difficulty in finding clothes that fit perfectly according to their body measurements. The reason is differences in the anthropometric build of people in different geographical regions across the country. Till date 10 countries have successfully completed national sizing surveys – the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Korea, China and Australia. The surveys entail measuring statistically relevant sample size pan country using human safe technology of 3D whole body scanner, a non-contact method of taking body measurements, and analyzing the collected data to create size charts.
Providing well fitting garments in the absence of standardized size chart is proving to be a big challenge for the domestic textile and apparel industry which is projected to reach $123 billion by 2021.
The findings of the study will impact various other sectors like automotive, aerospace, fitness and sport, art and computer gaming where insights from this data can produce ergonomically designed products which are suited for the Indian population.
The project has received Government approval and will entail measuring of 25,000 male and female Indians in six cities in six regions of the country: Kolkata (East), Mumbai (West), New Delhi (North), Hyderabad (Central India), Bengaluru (South) and Shillong (North-East). Using 3D whole body scanners, computers will extract hundreds of measurements from a scan. The data created as part of this project will be kept confidential and secure. The duration of the project will be around two years from the date of commencement.