New 'virtual' tape measure could give online clothes shoppers the perfect fit

A ground-breaking web-based system that takes unprecedentedly detailed measurements of the body could revolutionise online clothes shopping. The new system builds up a detailed image of body measurements, making it much easier for the shopper to order the correct size of clothes and personal wear as per their body dimensions.

Between 30 per cent and 60 per cent of clothes bought online are currently estimated to be returned to the retailer.

Shoppers would have to simply download software which, in conjunction with their webcam or smartphone, work like a 'virtual' tape measure, taking accurate waist, hip, chest and other measurements and advising the user on which size garment to buy whenever they visit the website of a participating retailer.

Taking multiple measurements of the body quickly, easily and accurately, the system aims to ensure the best possible fit and so save retailers and shoppers millions of pounds a year in return postage costs, as well as eliminating the hassle involved in sending back clothes that are the wrong size or fit.

With funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the software is currently being developed by London College of Fashion and computer vision experts at the University of Surrey, in collaboration with body-mapping specialists Bodymetrics and digital creative agency Guided. EPSRC is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences

The research builds on previous work by the University of Surrey in developing 3D body-shape templates from single-view images. This work has been used commercially in creating animated representations of people for games such as The Sims.