Indian textiles ministry, NIFT join hands for INDIAsize survey

28 Aug '21

2 min read

Pic: NIFT/INDIAsize

A survey on Indian body sizes, titled INDIAsize, was officially launched recently. The project, announced in February 2019 and delayed due to the pandemic, is a joint initiative of the ministry of textiles and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to introduce a new standardised size chart for India in the ready-to-wear clothing sector.

Size surveys are being conducted across six regions of India—Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Shillong and Kolkata. The new sizing chart will have a size identification number, which will be created by mapping, categorisation and defining of the body size and type.

Only 18 countries have their own sizing charts now.

The Delhi leg of the survey is currently underway, and aims to reach about 5,700 participants.

“We are using about 100 anthropometric data points from each of the participants. The study, for us at NIFT, is also an exercise in scientific research. It will have participants from different age groups, income brackets and varied ethnicities. All this will help us to bring about a comprehensive and standardised size chart,” NIFT director general Shantmanu was quoted as saying by Indian media reports.

Initial findings from the survey will be made available in a few months, and the whole exercise is scheduled to be over by the end of 2022.

The survey has received support from the Clothing Manufacturers Association Of India (CMAI). There are also plans to get international clothing brands to subscribe and adhere to the new sizing chart.

The INDIAsize survey is part of a larger ‘fibre-to-fashion’ initiative of the ministry.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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