Online shopping for clothing is convenient, but it has its downsides. Consumers often return their items due to fit and size issues. This can lead to increased carbon emissions.
The College of Human Ecology’s Department of Human Centered Design has developed a new body-mapping technology that will help customers select the right size and improve their garment design.
Jie Pei, M.A., stated that women often buy multiple sizes of the same garment and intend to keep one and return the rest. 16, Ph.D. 20, who created the technology for her dissertation on fiber science and apparel designing. I thought at first, “Well, it’s not waste because they’re sending stuff back.” It is usually more expensive for companies to keep those products in storage so they end up in a dump. This is a huge waste.
Three patents have been licensed by Cornell for the technology that was used to create FIT:MATCH, a retail tech company where Pei is now a senior data scientist. Two of the patents have been co-credited. Susan Ashdown, M.A. 89, Professor Emeritus Fiber Science and Apparel Design in the College of Human Ecology.
Pei used a 3D body scan database, a full body laser scanner, and software to collect and analyze data. Cornell Digital Fashion & Body Scan Research Lab, directed by Fatma Baitar, Ph.D. 11, assistant professor in CHE of fiber science, apparel design, and fabric science.
The College of Human Ecology’s Cornell Digital Fashion BodyScan Laboratory has CNC-routed body forms that were created from 3D body scans. Jie Pei, M.A., is the co-director. 16, Ph.D. 20, created technology that improves clothing fit and design.
Baytar says that HCD is a global leader in the production of advancements in apparel design due to its combination of faculty expertise with state-of-the art equipment.
Baytar stated that we have faculty with backgrounds from engineering, design, and fiber science. We also have the latest technologies, which attracts renowned researchers and highly talented students from all over. They have been trained in design and can use 3D software, body scanners and a large number of data points from the various databases they used during their time here.
The first patent covers a 3D mapping technology that allows companies to find the most representative shape of a population. It also helps consumers choose the best size and garments for their body. Pei said that the size of a garment is only one aspect. Because body shapes vary so much even within a single size range, the fit of the garment can be very important.
Pei stated that other apps-based body scanning technology is available on the market. These measurements, such as the bust circumference, are not enough to determine how a garment will fit. For example, two bodies may have the same bust circumferences and waist circumferences. However, they will have drastically different shapes that will impact how a garment fits.
Peis’ second invention is the processing of 4D body scans. The fourth dimension is time. This allows for the study of breast movement during physical activities. This technology allows for advancements in bra design and evaluation, as well as personal protective equipment. Pei said that approximately 85% of women experience problems with their bras.
Cornell University has licensed three patents on clothing fit technology to FIT.MATCH, a retailer technology company.
The third invention is an algorithm to convert 3D body scans into custom fit garment patterns. It does not consider body type.
Baytar said that technology like this will reduce the carbon footprint associated online shopping and improve customer satisfaction. While we are still talking about mass production it could eventually become a system that allows for mass customization.
According to Haniff Brown (FIT:MATCH CEO), FIT has recently signed deals with two multibillion-dollar retailers: Savage X Fenty, a singer Rihannas company, as well as Fabletics, an activewear store founded by actress Kate Hudson.
Pei believes that HCD’s interdisciplinary focus on fiber science and apparel design has prepared her for success in an industry that requires data scientists and engineers to work together.
It is crucial to combine fiber science and design because engineers and designers must listen to each other. It’s difficult to communicate when you have been trained in two different languages.
E.C. Barrett is a freelancer for the College of Human Ecology.