Unspun, who make made-to-measure jeans and have shops in Hong Kong and San Francisco, is one company already using this technology. Customers simply strip down to their essentials in a curtained area and a quick 3D body scan is made, collecting over 100,000 data points. The measurements are displayed on a wall tablet, where each client then gets a smorgasbord of sartorial edits. Once the fit has been decided – a process that takes less than two minutes – the ideal pair of jeans will be ready in two weeks and delivered to your doorstep.

Annika Visser, operations lead of Unspun in Hong Kong says, “We pride ourselves on being sustainable and inclusive by carrying zero inventory and doing away with the traditional sizing system. We recognise that each body is unique and there’s no need to put a number to it.”

If this technology goes mainstream, it could substantially reduce the waste produced by the fashion industry. Companies make clothes in multitudes of shapes and sizes, often leading to unsold inventory. With this tech, you only buy what you need, thereby the company only manufactures what is already sold.

“It’s great to be part of a company which lives and breathes their mission of reducing fashion’s impact on the environment. By using data and technology we aim to bring a shift in the way brands and consumers think about traditional fashion production systems,” says Visser.

The technology is currently being employed by H&M brand Weekday in their flagship store in Sweden. In Hong Kong, Gay Giano in Causeway Bay takes more than 120 measurements in 30 seconds for its bespoke tailored suits, while fellow local brand Isabella Wren also employ body scanners to ensure professional women get a personalised fit. 

The idea is already being taken a step further. “We are developing a mobile app with which you’d be able to do the 3D scan, design your jeans and place your order all in one place,” says Visser. “It will be ready to download by mid-February. We will also develop the capability later this year for customers to visualise themselves in the jeans before they purchase, which would help them choose their perfect cut, fabric and trim colours. With mobile phone apps, technology will create perfectly fitted clothes to any and every customer’s body shape,” she continues.

But what about those of us that struggle to keep that perfect body shape under our clothes? According to Visser, so far fluctuating weight has not been a problem. “We have not had any problems or complaints about this happening after someone has already bought the jeans from us. We have had times where potential customers who are actively working on their weight prefer to purchase from us once they have reached their personal body goals. But you’ll be glad to know most of our fabrics have some stretch, so a little winter bloat should not be a concern!” 

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