By Louisa Smith
Fashion Technology Magazine Vol. 5 - Issue 9 - October 2008
You have the style, the color, the fabric and it's hanging in the store, But if the fit isn't right you can forget about a sale. Size is an issue and consumers' shapes have changed over the decades - we are now taller and heavier with different proportions compared to our 1950s counterparts. Even in the lingerie sector we are noting a change with the increased sales of larger sized bras for the younger market.
Getting the right body size and proportions for your market is becoming easier thanks to enhanced technology. Gone are the days of time consuming manual measurements. Now body measurement databases and 3D scanning and digital visualization ensure that all aspects of the supply chain are playing to the same tune.
From body scanning through to initial sampling and on to retail, there's a new group of cutting edge technology that's enabling innovative services to shape up your supply chain and guarantee the hest fit.
Alvanon has one of the most extensive worldwide databases of body measurements and also offers a customized service in capturing the exact body specifications of your target market. Utilizing safe millimeter wave scanners that accurately measure a fully clothed body in seconds, these 3D full body scanners have gathered data for more than 200,000 subjects worldwide. Due to its unobtrusive and compact design, this is the most costeffective method for gathering large amounts of scan data accurately.
Alvanon experts work with the client to define the scope of an AlvaScan project. After recommending the scanning methodology and timeframe, necessary training and support is also provided. After scanning is complete, scans are analyzed independently and in conjunction with Alvanon's existing database.
Benefits:Get info:: susan.wang@alvanon.com
AlvaForm fit mannequins represent the core body standard of a brands supply chain, offering customized fit mannequins incorporating data from the AlvaScan data in creating the perfect size. Product development time and money is saved due to the brand/design office, sourcing office, manufacturer and retailer all having the exact same size mannequins albeit in different finishes dependent on the end use. The information compiled in creating a client's unique AlvaForm can also be transferred through to AlvaBlock, as you can't create a new body form and then return to old patterns. With AlvaBlock, new blocks are created for your pattern cutting department to guarantee standardization and consistency of fit.
Benefits:Get Info: susan.wang@alvanon.com
AlvaPhoto is based on digital imagery that results in quicker response times,fewer failed samples and better quality control. With the initial concept of a garment through to sourcing and production before it even ends up in retail store is increasingly a global project, through visualization, each stage of the supply chain can easily communicate. Utilizing AlvaPhoto simplifies the process, replacing flat photos on spec sheets with 3D pictures that indicate intended fit and look of garment. Increased quality control with images of the final approved product fitted to the AlvaForm mannequin ensures consistent fit across the board. In addition a database of styles using standardized AlvaPhoto images can be used for future reference
Benefits:
Get Info: susan.wang@alvanon.com
Alvanon has compiled one of the most extensive collection of body scan research in China. Over 28,000 people were scanned in four key regions at various urban retail shopping centers.The scanners captured 45 measurement pe rperson and resulted in data that will provide brands the perfect fit for the final consumer.
The core body shape in China is significantly smaller and more homogenous than in the Western markets. There are regional variances as well. Men have similar average heights in China and the U.S. but have dramatically different average chest and waist measurements, as well as differences in average weight and body mass. Women in China have much narrower variances in bust, waist and hip measurements than those in the U.S.
As a result,the U.S. market requires more than double the number of clothing sizes to reach the same percentage of the population as compared to China. One trend consistent with other Western countries is that the younger generation in eastern China is groWing taller and heavier.
| Fast Facts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Chinese Female |
Average U.S. Female |
Average Chinese Male |
Average U.S. Male |
|
Height |
5'4" |
5'4" |
5'8" |
5'9" |
Weight |
125 lbs |
155 lbs |
145 lbs |
191 lbs |
Chest |
31" |
37" |
35" |
41" |
Waist |
28" |
34" |
31" |
37" |
Low Hip |
35" |
42" |
36" |
41" |