E-TAILOR: Integration of 3D Scanners, CAD and Virtual-Try-on Technologies for Online Retailing of Made-to-Measure Garments

Abstract

A number of initiatives have arisen recently in many European countries revolving around the concepts of made-to-measure garment manufacturing and the new generation of online apparel shopping. The combination of these new services has been made now possible by the emergence of technologies such as 3D whole-body scanners, 3D CAD systems for the customisation of existing styles, virtual-try-on visualisation techniques and the new generation of smartcards. E-TAILOR aims to establish an innovative paradigm for virtual retailing services of customised clothing that tackles related problems (different sizing systems, fitting problem, high cost, data privacy and lack of interfaces). The developments in E-TAILOR can be grouped together in terms of the following infrastructures:

• 1. A European sizing information infrastructure (ESII) which will contribute to the solution of the sizing inconsistencies problem in general.

• 2. An advanced customised clothing infrastructure, enabling the ordering and production of custom-made garments at reasonable prices, in a short time and with a close-to-perfect fit.

• 3. An innovative virtual shopping infrastructure, enabling customers to visualise themselves wearing garments on offer at e-kiosks installed in traditional stores, as well as online (in internet shops).