India to get standardised clothing size chart by 2021

The sizing chart, expected to be ready by 2021, will be prepared from the anthropometric data collected from a sample population in the age group of 15–65 years. This database of measurements will then culminate in a standardised size chart truly representative of the population, which can be adopted by the entire apparel industry.

Using 3D whole body scanners, measurements of 25,000 males and females from six cities located in different regions of the country namely Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Shillong will be compiled, NIFT officials said in New Delhi today.

Funded by the Union ministry of textiles, this Rs 30 crore project sanctioned under the Research and Development Scheme will develop Indian size charts based on body measurements of the Indian population for better fitting of ready-to-wear garments. The government has promised assistance of Rs21 crore, while NIFT will contribute Rs9.1 crore from its own sources. The mapping exercise is likely to take two years.

NIFT is currently in talks with government-approved cloud service providers to ensure that all the data captured is safe and secure. Screening of people for data will not be like a photograph, but an 'avatar'. It will come out like a dotted outline, officials told mediapersons. NIFT will also conduct awareness programmes to sensitise people and make them aware about the research project.

Since there is no comprehensive size chart for the Indian population, Indians purchase clothes mostly based on the UK size chart. Till date, 14 countries have successfully completed their respective national sizing surveys. These are the US, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Sweden, Italy, the Netherlands, Thailand, South Korea, China and Australia. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India