Consumers must consider the fit of their purchase. But, almost all ready-to-wear clothes come with some form of fit. The fashion of a garment is not the only factor consumers look at when making a purchase decision. They also consider how well it fits. Although clothing styles are essential, the more critical factor is proper fitting according to the person’s body structure. If garments don’t show excessive fullness or pull lines, then they are of correct fit. It is important to place seams, darts and grain lines correctly. You need to ensure that the garment fits properly depending on the type of clothing. The most significant fit problems in contoured gowns will be obvious and easily noticeable. In the case of loose-fitting garments however, it doesn’t matter as much if they are not exactly fitted. No matter how high-quality the fabric or the craftsmanship of the garment, the quality and fit can be affected.
Fitting issues can also affect ready-made garment retailers as well as customers. Although the problem may seem minor, it can have a significant impact on your bottom line. The retailer will have to pay for return shipping costs, brand satisfaction, extra trial time, and any other expenses that may arise from purchased clothing. It is usually based on the garment’s fit that a garment is bought. Comfort is the most important factor in choosing well-fitted clothing. Generally, garments with a not-so-good fit lie in the back of people’s closets.
Manufacturers face many problems when designing plus-size clothing. This requires that proportions are adjusted to ensure a perfect fit for all sizes. It is not possible to evaluate the fit of a pattern or the ready-to-wear results.
The medium and small sizes are fine to make clothes that fit model bodies, but it is not possible to scale uniformly up for plus-sized models. This is because the human body doesn’t grow in the exact same way. The scale does not adjust for differences in body sizes between straight- and plus-sizes, or the multiple variations within them. These garments do not have love handles and bellies. Although maternity wear does include these features, it’s often the only choice for those who are larger. You may not have enough room for your stomach or plumper arms. Some things will seem loose while others may feel tight.
Each garment manufacturer targets a specific segment of the market. This defines their consumer profile. A manufacturer may spend huge amounts of money in order to achieve the right fit or size. A manufacturer’s success can depend on having the best sizing options. This is why many companies employ advanced technology and methods for device size systems. These are key to solving the problem of sizing:
Data collection on Demographics: Data related to ethnicity, age and body type can be gathered from a survey that covers a representative sample of the population. Selection of this sample must be done carefully to avoid any domino effect. To understand variations in size, statistical tools can be applied. Companies are increasingly using 3D scanners and automation. The tools allow for efficient and cost-effective data collection by manufacturers. Although demographic and lifestyle data can have a significant impact on sizing, very few manufacturers make use of them.
Fitting perception: The supply chain has many stakeholders with different opinions about the right fit. To create a flawless look, designers can come up with their own theories about the size that will fit a particular body. Designers try to keep the same look across a range of sizes. Customers also have different preferences about sizes and styles that may give them a more flattering look. It is the skill of patternmakers, graders that determine the effectiveness of the sizing system. These people need to be able to determine, design and produce the right fit for each target market. This can be done with a variety of tools, including body scanners, market surveys and wear testing.
The design and style of your clothing Each style is designed to be compatible with a wide range of body types. This determines the quality of fit and how close it comes to your body. Baggy styles like those with baggy legs can be worn on many different bodies. Additionally, clothing made from stretchable material can be adjusted to suit a larger range of bodies.
Size labels: Important information about the size of garments is also needed. It is often seen that customers need to be able to determine the size. Consumers cannot match the sizes on labels to their bodies. Therefore, they test different sizes and shapes of the product. Because all manufacturers don’t have the same size sizes, this is why they do not use them. Manufacturers use different fit terms, including slim and classic. This problem is more complex for women’s clothing than men’s. Many womenswear use size labels to denote numbers that do not relate to specific body dimensions. In contrast, menswear uses sizing to refer to the body’s measurements.
Sizing criteria: Each brand inspects and determines the exact needs of its target consumers before producing ready-made garments. This is where the fit and sizing play a crucial role. There is often a split between manufacturers and retailers regarding the labelling of sizes on garments. This process should include the customers as well, since they will have best insight.
Plus-size garments: Designers have to consider the needs of plus-sized customers when creating clothing. It is necessary to adjust proportions in order for the garment to fit better across different sizes. It’s often observed that simply comparing the garment dimensions to those from ready-wear measurement charts does not give any indication of the suitability for the target audience.
Check for fit Hohenstein Institute, Germany, conducted fitting tests on 250 participants of all ages and different body types. This sample provided the same body measurements as the target group. This data allowed for both the measurement of the target group and the determination of the appropriate dress size. It was possible to check clothing suitable for plus-sized people or 60-year olds on subjects who were the same age as the test subject or have the exact body type. Stephanie Muller is an expert on fitting tests and works with manufacturers. Muller, along with her team, works closely with manufacturers to develop more accurate measurements for customers. This allows them to have a satisfied customer base that can buy from one brand.
‘People rather than dummies’ is what Muller believes to be the only way to end fitting problems and increase customer satisfaction. According to her, “In reality, whether someone perceives a garment to have a proper fit depends on how it looks and feels on their body.”