3D body scanning to help parents and retailers

PARENTS and retailers will benefit from new research into childrenswear sizing carried out in partnership with MMU.

The Shape GB survey, which saw six of the UK’s biggest retailers team up with technical mannequin producer Alvanon and sizing research company Select Research, aims to standardise the fit of children’s clothes across the country.

Hundreds of children aged between four and 17 were scanned by the 3D body scanners in the Clothing Design Technology department at Hollings to create virtual body images. These were then compared to the most recent data, which was collected in 1978.

The resulting report will be available for companies to purchase from the end of the month.

National scale

The survey will mean retailers can produce clothes that conform to a standard fit, while parents can be assured that their children’s clothes size will not vary from shop to shop.

MMU were asked to be involved in the survey after they worked with Select Research to produce the most comprehensive report on adult British body shapes since 1951.

Steve Hayes, acting head of Clothing Design Technology, said: “Based on our previous research collaboration with Select Research for the SizeUK project the department was approached to form part of a five strong team of universities running data capture sessions throughout Great Britain. Our team ran multiple scanning events capturing hundreds of full body scans of children aged between four and 17 years old.

“This was an excellent opportunity to work on a national scale project with our partner institutions engaged in body scanning research.”

Richard Barnes, managing director of Select Research, said: “The survey’s retail sponsors and academic collaborators have worked closely in the true spirit of co-operation with us and Alvanon to test and agree the key findings.”

Partners

The childrenswear retailers involved in the survey are , George at ASDA, M&S, Monsoon, Next, Shop Direct group and Tesco.

Additional collaborators during the data collection phase for 3D scanning of children included Aston University, the University of Hertfordshire, University of Hull and Loughborough University.