Identification of female body shapes based on numerical evaluations

Abstract

Purpose: Identification of human body shapes has been a key issue to develop sizing standards for ready-to-wear and to develop made-to-measure applications. Current methods to identify the body shapes are mostly based on subjective/visual determination approaches. The purpose of this paper is to look for numerical evaluation parameters for an objective method in order to classify the body shapes and to build up an automated process link. Design/methodology/approach: Female subjects were chosen for the experimental design. 3D body scanning technology was integrated in the process for measurement taking and body silhouette detection of the sample group. Based on this sample data set, body shape identification was realized by referees as visual analyses, and additionally, an objective method was tried out by using body dimensions as numerical evaluation parameters. Obtained results with the sample group were inserted in a database and a body shape calculation tool was developed. Findings: Statistical analyses showed that there is mostly a good agreement between the pairs of the evaluations including the objective calculation methods and the subjective assessments of the referees. The calculation tool was designed as web-based software in order to integrate with further developments and automation purposes. Originality/value: A new automatic tool was developed to make the body shape classification objective and repeatable. By integrating this tool to the product development chain, a continuous process link can be provided for the companies through the way for better fitting clothing. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.