Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Three-Dimensional Body Scanning in Sustainable Product Development: An Exploration of the Use of Body Scanning in the Production and Consumption of Female Apparel

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Technology-Driven Sustainability

Abstract

The fashion industry is plagued with complications regarding garment sizing and inadequate fit. Inconsistent sizing systems, coupled with the lack of attention by industry in understanding deviations in female body shapes, not only impose severe implications upon the consumer decision-making process but also inflict issues regarding sustainability. As a result of recent advancements in technology, three-dimensional (3D) body scanning has been argued to be the solution to these issues, by providing a more sustainable method of clothing production and distribution, as well as enhancing apparel fit. Indeed, 3D body scanning technology has the ability to capture replicable and more consistent data sets than manual measurement collection. However, this chapter challenges the current application of 3D body scanning in apparel production by addressing two vital limitations. The first challenge explored is the incompatibility of 3D body scan measurements with manual product practices. Second, consumer fit preferences are often overlooked by body shape and measurement. Hence, this chapter reasons that only when these key limitations are addressed can 3D body scanning help facilitate sustainable practice and provide retailers with enough information to develop well-fitted apparel.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abraham-murali, L., & Littrell, M. A. (1995a). Consumer’ conceptualization of apparel attributes. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 13(2), 65–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abraham-murali, L., & Littrell, M. A. (1995b). Consumers’ perceptions of apparel quality over time: An exploratory study. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 13(1), 149–158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aldrich, W. (2015). Metric pattern cutting for women’s wear (6th ed.). London: John Wiley and Sons Ltd..

    Google Scholar 

  • Alessandro, S., & Chitty, B. (2011). Real or relevant beauty? Body shape and endorser effects on bran??!! Attitude and body image. Journal of Psychology and Marketing, 28(8), 843–878.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alexander, M., Pisut, G. R., & Ivanescu, A. (2012). Investigating women’s plus-size body measurements and hip shape variation based on SizeUSA data. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 5(1), 3–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alvanon. (2018). Shaping the future of fit. Retrieved September 2018, from https://alvanon.com/.

  • Apeagyei, P. R. (2010). Application of 3D body scanning technology to human measurement for clothing. International Journal of Digital Content Technology and Its Applications, 4(7), 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ashdown, S. (2007). Sizing in clothing: Developing effective sizing systems for ready-to-wear clothing. England: Woodhead Publishing Ltd.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Ashdown, S. P., & Na, H. (2008). Comparison of 3-D body scan data to quantify upper-body postural variation in older and younger women. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 26(4), 292–307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bougourd, J. P., Dekker, L., Ross, P. G., & Ward, J. P. (2000). A comparison of women’s sizing by 3D electronic scanning and traditional anthropometry. The Journal of the Textile Institute, 91(2), 163–173.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brownbridge, K., Sanderson, R., & Gill, S. (2016). Aspirational bodies: Fashioning new beauty ideals. Inter-disciplinary.net, pp. 1–12.

  • BSI. (1982). BS 3666: 1982 specification for size designation of womenswear. London: British Standards Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • BSI. (2005). BS EN 13402-3:2004 size designation of clothes-part 3: Measurements and intervals. London: British Standards Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bye, E., LaBat, K. L., & DeLong, M. R. (2006). Analysis of body measurement systems for apparel. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 24(2), 66–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chattaraman, V., & Rudd, N. A. (2006). Preferences for aesthetic attributes in clothing as a function of body image, body cathexis and body size. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 24(1), 46–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, C.-M. (2007). Fit evaluation within the made-to-measure process. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 19(2), 131–144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi, T.-M., & Guo, S. (2018). Responsive supply in fashion mass customisation systems with consumer returns. International Journal of Production Research, 56(10), 3409–3422.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coltman, C. E., McGhee, D. E., & Steele, J. R. (2017). Three-dimensional scanning in women with large, ptotic breasts: Implications for bra cup sizing and design. Ergonomics, 60(3), 439–445.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Connell, L. J., Ulritch, P., Knox, A., Hutton, G., Woronka, D., Bruner, D., & Ashdown, S. (2003). Body scan analysis for fit models based on body shape and posture analysis. National Textile Center Annual Report [Online]. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://www.ntcresearch.org/pdf-rpts/AnRp03/S01-AC27-A3.pdf.

  • D’Apuzzo, N. (2009). Recent advance in 3D full body scanning with applications to fashion and apparel. In A. Gruen & H. Kahmen (Eds.), 3D measurement techniques IX. Vienna, Austria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diedrichs, P., & Lee, C. (2011). Waif goodbye! Average-size female models promote positive body image and appeal to consumers. Psychology and Health, 26(10), 1273–1291.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Douty, H. (1968). Visual somatometry in health-related research. Journal of the Alabama Academy of Science, 39(1), 21–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fan, J., Yu, W., & Hunter, L. (2004). Clothing appearance and fit: Science and technology. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing Limited.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Farrell-Beck, J. A., & Pouliot, C. J. (1983). Pants alteration by graphic somatometry techniques. Home Economics Research Journal, 12(1), 95–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Faust, M.-E., & Carrier, S. (2009). Women’s wear sizing: A new labelling system. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management., 14(1), 88–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gill, S. (2015). A review of research and Innovation in garment sizing, prototyping and fitting. Textile Progress, 47(1), 1–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gill, S. (2018). Human measurement and product development for high-performance apparel. In J. McLoughlin & T. Sabir (Eds.), High performance apparel. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gill, S., & Chadwick, N. (2009). Determination of ease allowances included in pattern construction methods. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 2(1), 23–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gill, S., & Parker, C. J. (2017). Scan posture definition and hip girth measurement: The impact on clothing design and body scanning. Ergonomics, 60(8), 1123–1136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gill, S., Parker, C. J., Hayes, S., Brownbridge, K., Wren, P., & Panchenko, A. (2014). The true height of the waist: Explorations of automated body scanner waist definitions of the TC2 Scanner. 5th International Conference on 3D Body Scanning Technologies. Lugano, Switzerland. 21–22 October 2014. Hometrica Consulting, Switzerland, pp. 55–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gill, S., Ahmed, M., Parker, C. J., & Hayes, S. (2017). Not all body scanning measurements are valid: Perspectives from pattern practice. 8th International Conference on 3D Body Scanning and Processing Technologies. Montreal, Canada, 11–12 October 2017. 3DBODY.TECH, Canada, pp. 43–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gregson, N., Crewe, L., & Brookes, K. (2002). Shopping, space and practice. Environment and Planning D: Society and Space, 20(5), 597–617.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gribbins, E. A. (2014). Body shape and its influence on apparel size and consumer choice. In M.-E. Faust & S. Carrier (Eds.), Designing apparel for consumer: The impact of body shape and size (pp. 3–16). Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing Series in Textiles.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Grogan, S., Gill, S., Brownbridge, K., Kilgariff, S., & Whalley, A. (2013). Dress fit and body image: A thematic analysis of women’s accounts during and after trying on dresses. Body Image, 10(3), 380–388.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Han, H., & Nam, Y. (2011). Automatic body landmark identification for various body figures. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 41(6), 592–606.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heisey, F. L., Brown, P., & Johnson, R. F. (1986). A mathematical analysis of the graphic somatometry method of pattern alteration. Home Economics Research Journal, 15(2), 115–123.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ISO. (2018). ISO 8559-3: 2018 Size designation of clothes—part 3: Methodology for the creation of body measurement tables and intervals. Switzerland: International Organization for Standardization.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalkhoff, W., Marcussen, K., & Serpe, R. T. (2016). To thine own self be true? Clarifying the effects of identity discrepancies on psychological distress and emotions. Social Science Research, 58, 14–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, H., & Damhorst, M. L. (2010). The relationship of body related self-discrepancy to body dissatisfaction, apparel involvement, concerns with fit and size of garments, and purchase intentions in online apparel shopping. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 28(4), 239–254.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, W., & Imaoka, H. (2010). Classification of body shape characteristics of women’s torsos using angles. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 22(4), 297–311.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, J. Y., Istook, C. L., Nam, Y. J., & Park, S. M. (2007). Comparison of body shape between USA and Korean Women. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 19(5), 374–391.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liechty, E., Rasband, J., & Pottberg-steineckert, D. (2010). Fitting & pattern alteration (2nd ed.). New York: Fairchild Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mintel. (2018). Executive summary womenswear-UK May 2018. Mintel Oxygen [Online]. Retrieved October 23, 2018, from http://academic.mintel.com/display/859091/.

  • Onge, A., Merles, A., Pichonneau, F., & Senecal, S. (2016). Does the size of a fashion model on a retailers website impact the customers perceived attractiveness of the model and purchase intention? The role of gender, body satisfaction and congruence. In Managing complexity book (pp. 281–285). Basel: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • ONS. (2017). Office for national statistics-July 2017: Internet retail sales. Retrieved September 10, 2017, from https://www.ons.gov.uk/timeseriestool?topic=/businessindustryandtrade/retailindustry/timeseries.

  • Otieno, R. (2000). The role of garment sizing in creation of customer satisfaction: Indications from focus group responses. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 4(4), 325–335.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pandarum, R., Yu, W., & Hunter, L. (2011). 3-D breast anthropometry of plus-sized women in South Africa. Ergonomics, 54(9), 866–875.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, W., & Park, S. (2013). Body shape analyses of large persons in South Korea. Ergonomics, 56(4), 692–706.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Petrova, A., & Ashdown, S. (2008). Three-dimensional body scan data analysis: Body size and shape dependence of ease values for pants fit. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 26(3), 227–252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pisut, G., & Connell, L. J. (2007). Fit preference of female consumers in the USA. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 11(3), 366–379.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rasband, J. A., & Liechty, E. L. G. (2006). Fabulous fit (2nd ed.). New York: Fairchild Publications, Inc.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Reid, L. F., Ross, H., & Vignali, G. (2016). An exploration of the relationship between product selection criteria and engagement with ‘show-rooming’ and ‘web-rooming’ in the consumer’s decision-making process. International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 17(3), 364–383.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schofield, N. A., & LaBat, K. L. (2005). Exploring the relationships of grading, sizing and anthropometric data. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 23(1), 13–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, D. (2006). Fashion buying and merchandising. In D. Shaw & T. Jackson (Eds.), The fashion handbook (pp. 132–153). Oxon: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheldon, W. H., Stevens, S. S., & Tucker, W. B. (1949). The varieties of human physique. New York: Harper and Brothers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shin, E., & Baytar, F. (2014). Apparel fit and size concerns and intentions to use virtual try-on: Impacts of body satisfaction and images of model’s bodies. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 32(1), 20–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sidberry, P. (2011). Effects of body shape on body cathexis and dress shape preferences of female consumers: A balancing perspective. MSc, Auburn University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simmons, K., Istook, C. L., & And Devarajan, P. (2004). Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT) for apparel part II: Development of shape sorting software. Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, 4(1), 1–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Size Stream. (2018). Size stream. Retrieved September 2, 2018, from http://sizestream.com/.

  • Sizemic. (2011). SizeUK-the national sizing survey [Online]. Retrieved August 7, 2011, from http://www.sizemic.eu/sizeuk.html.

  • Song, H. K., & Ashdown, S. P. (2010). Categorization of lower body shapes for adult females based on multiple view analysis. Textile Research Journal, 81(9), 914–931.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Song, H. K., & Ashdown, S. P. (2013). Female apparel consumers’ understanding of body size and shape: Relationship among body measurements, fit satisfaction, and body cathexis. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 31(3), 143–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • TC2. (2018). [TC2]2. Retrieved September 2, 2018, from https://www.tc2.com/.

  • Vuruskan, A., & Bulgun, E. (2011). Identification of female body shapes based on numerical evaluations. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 23(1), 46–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, L. (2014). Can technology solve the fit problem in fashion e-commerce? Business of Fashion [Online]. Retrieved March 9, 2018, from https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/fashion-tech/can-technology-solve-fit-problem-fashion-e-commerce.

  • Yu, U., & Damhorst, M. L. (2015). Body satisfaction as antecedent to virtual product experience in an online apparel shopping context. Clothing and Textile Research Journal, 33(1), 3–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, UK

    Louise F. Reid & Rachel Vieira

  2. University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Gianpaolo Vignali & Courtney Chrimes

  3. Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Katharine Barker

Authors
  1. Louise F. Reid
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gianpaolo Vignali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Katharine Barker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Courtney Chrimes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Rachel Vieira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Louise F. Reid .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Gianpaolo Vignali , Daniella Ryding  & Claudia E. Henninger ,  & 

  2. The University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, UK

    Louise F. Reid

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Reid, L.F., Vignali, G., Barker, K., Chrimes, C., Vieira, R. (2020). Three-Dimensional Body Scanning in Sustainable Product Development: An Exploration of the Use of Body Scanning in the Production and Consumption of Female Apparel. In: Vignali, G., Reid, L.F., Ryding, D., Henninger, C.E. (eds) Technology-Driven Sustainability. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15483-7_10

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation