NIFT has some new designs on size charts

AHMEDABAD: Does your midriff come in the way of getting the right fit for your trousers? Don’t worry. The National Institute of Fashion Technology plans to standardise size charts based on specific body measurements in different regions of the country.

Considering varied styles, requirements and population profile, the institute plans to develop region-specific models. NIFT plans to carry out a scientific and analytical study of human body by collecting samples from across India.

“In a culturally diverse country like India, people have great difficulty finding garments with perfect body fit. Through this initiative, we intend to develop basic size charts and generate database of specific body measurements,” says NIFT director-general Gauri Kumar. This will not only help consumers get better-fit garments but also the retailers in understanding their target buyers well, she adds.

NIFT is taking inputs from the industry and the work on the project will begin early next year. In the first phase, over 25,000 responses will be collected using 3-D body scanners.

NIFT will conduct this research through its centres in Delhi, Mumbai , Gandhinagar, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Once the work starts, it will be an ongoing process to collect samples and prepare basic size charts of people from different regions, age groups, ethnicity and gender.

It plans to survey over 15,000-20,000 people each year. “As the income levels go high, aspirations also rise. The preferences and demands of consumers evolve over a period and usually developed countries have basic size charts specific to its population profile,” she says.

NIFT will also offer consultancy services for customised size charts and design trends. Apart from the size charts, the institute plans to set up design intelligence cell which will spot and analyse trends with help of industry experts.