National Sizing Survey India: Country to Receive its Own Ready-to-Wear Clothing Size Chart by 2021

Currently Indians do not have a specific size chart and wear clothes based on the tweaked size versions of other countries. They rely on the standard size charts of different countries which leads to confusion as the size varies according to different brands. To avoid the uncertainty, India is set to have its own clothing size chart by 2021. Under the sponsorship of the ministry of textiles, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, is undertaking a national sizing survey of India to develop an India size chart for ready-to-wear clothes based on the measurements and specifications of Indians, as cited in Hindustan Times.

The survey will be conducted in the age-group of 15 to 65 years to create a database of measurements. These measurements will create a standardised chart that will be representative of the Indian population and could be adopted by the apparel industry. Citing an unidentified ministry official, Hindustan Times reported that the approximate cost of the project is approximately Rs 30 crore and the first instalment has been released to NIFT. The mapping exercise will take two years and no children will be measured as a part of the survey. Once the size chart is developed, all brands selling in India will have to carry the India size label on all garments. The project is approved by the central government and the measurements will be conducted on 25,000 men and women across six cities and regions. These include Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Shillong and the measurement will be done using 3D whole-body scanners.

At present, not having an Indian standard size chart for ready-to-wear garments has resulted in high number of returns and exchanges of garments due to poor fit. And with the growth of e commerce they are increasing by the day. All these issues will be addressed by the India size chart. More than 14 countries have successfully completed national sizing surveys. These include the US, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Sweden, Italy, the Netherlands, Thailand, South Korea, China and Australia. Indians mostly purchase clothes based on UK size chart.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 28, 2018 11:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).