SIZING SYSTEMS
Based on our research sizing and fit are the main concerns of customers around the world. We understand why, as we have tried to develop our men's clothing range using industry sizing systems. They don't work for the majority of people. Industry sizing systems are legacy sizing systems developed around government health surveys. Not all surveys measure the same body girths so rules of thumb have emerged for those missing measurements and over time the sizing systems have become distorted and out of kilter with modern body sizes. We were very close to giving up! What saved us is that we bought data from 3D scans of recent populations. The results have been incredibly accurate.
The garment industry normally develops one size from the ground up, say LARGE (L). Then they use rules of thumb to adjust this pattern to smaller and bigger sizes. This is called GRADING. This can be done on computer very quickly and saves an incredible amount of time. The problem is that it further distorts the accuracy of sizing systems. The challenge in patternmaking is creating a two dimensional patterns that will be used to create garments that are worn on a three dimensional body. Each point on a paper pattern denotes not just the X and Y axis, but also the Z axis. At Zeds Threads we believe getting the Z axis correct is critical. We create each size from the ground up. Yes it is a slow process but the accuracy it gives is worth the wait. We have now been testing our WESTERN sizing system for shirts for over six years and they are so accurate that we have used them as fitting garments for Made-to-Measure tailoring.
The garment industry normally develops one size from the ground up, say LARGE (L). Then they use rules of thumb to adjust this pattern to smaller and bigger sizes. This is called GRADING. This can be done on computer very quickly and saves an incredible amount of time. The problem is that it further distorts the accuracy of sizing systems. The challenge in patternmaking is creating a two dimensional patterns that will be used to create garments that are worn on a three dimensional body. Each point on a paper pattern denotes not just the X and Y axis, but also the Z axis. At Zeds Threads we believe getting the Z axis correct is critical. We create each size from the ground up. Yes it is a slow process but the accuracy it gives is worth the wait. We have now been testing our WESTERN sizing system for shirts for over six years and they are so accurate that we have used them as fitting garments for Made-to-Measure tailoring.
MADE-TO-MEASURE TAILORING
We never set out to be a tailoring store. Based on extensive research before we began this startup we decided to make men's shirts in a Western or European height sizing system. It was our clients who started using the shirts as fitting garments, and we started to offer bespoke services to clients who were too short or too tall for our sizing system. After six years we have developed a men's sizing system based on three heights. Each height has two fits: regular and slim. We have reached a stage where bespoke tailoring for shirts and pants is no longer necessary for the majority of clients. The only clients who need a bespoke service are those who want a comfort fit. Men's shirts are very close to being offered online.
Now we are developing our range of suits. The Western or European height is available as Made-to-Measure in both regular and slim fits. We will develop the two other heights in the near future so that most of our customers will be able to access the Made-to-Measure service. The demand for comfort fit in suits is considerably less than in shirts so we will only be able to provide the comfort fit as a bespoke service.
Now we are developing our range of suits. The Western or European height is available as Made-to-Measure in both regular and slim fits. We will develop the two other heights in the near future so that most of our customers will be able to access the Made-to-Measure service. The demand for comfort fit in suits is considerably less than in shirts so we will only be able to provide the comfort fit as a bespoke service.
HUMAN BEINGS
The original data we have used to develop our products has a European bias as it is based on European and North American populations. While these are multicultural societies they are predominantly of European descent.
The majority of the clients who visit our store are from Western countries: Europe, North America, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong etc. Many of these countries are now multicultural. For example, we are more likely to get a Vietnamese client who is American, Australian, or even German than a local national.
What we have found is that human beings are human beings. With our Made-to-Measure system we can fit anyone equally well. After 6 years and thousands of clients we have not yet come across any exceptions.
Please do not think that our Made-to-Measure service is just for westerners or people of European descent. The biggest difference between human populations is height based. That is why we have three height based systems. If we were a ready-to-wear store we would have the largest sizing range in the world for men in shirts and pants. The garments on the racks can be bought as is or we can make to order as is. Please do not feel obliged in any way that adjustments are necessary. With over 60 sizing options we have almost everyone covered.
The majority of the clients who visit our store are from Western countries: Europe, North America, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong etc. Many of these countries are now multicultural. For example, we are more likely to get a Vietnamese client who is American, Australian, or even German than a local national.
What we have found is that human beings are human beings. With our Made-to-Measure system we can fit anyone equally well. After 6 years and thousands of clients we have not yet come across any exceptions.
Please do not think that our Made-to-Measure service is just for westerners or people of European descent. The biggest difference between human populations is height based. That is why we have three height based systems. If we were a ready-to-wear store we would have the largest sizing range in the world for men in shirts and pants. The garments on the racks can be bought as is or we can make to order as is. Please do not feel obliged in any way that adjustments are necessary. With over 60 sizing options we have almost everyone covered.
