Precision and personalization are reshaping how the fashion industry thinks about fit. The fashion industry is undergoing a critical transformation, with sizing and fit issues representing one of its most expensive challenges. At the forefront of this change stands Alvanon, the global leader in sizing and fit technology, helping brands create better-fitting clothing and more sustainable, efficient processes.
The $150 Billion Problem: When Sizing Goes Wrong
Sizing issues have a massive impact. In 2023, 53% of returns were due to sizing and fit, costing brands over $150 billion. This loss highlights a fundamental disconnect between how clothing is designed and how real consumers fit into it.
“There’s a massive benefit to getting sizing right,” Janice Wang, Alvanon’s CEO said. “When brands design digitally, using templated tools, and produce only what will actually sell, they cut waste at every stage.”
Building the Sizing Intelligence Ecosystem
Alvanon’s Sizing Intelligence Ecosystem integrates physical and digital tools, connecting manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. This includes physical fit forms and digital twins for consistent sizing, and virtual avatars for precise 3D design and fitting.
For 25 years, Alvanon has built physical and digital size standards for hundreds of top brands, using over 2.5 million body scans to create the industry’s most comprehensive database.
Ton Wiedenhoff, Executive Director for Europe at Alvanon, said: “For many years I have been aware that Alvanon has invested significantly in developing and delivering the most advanced and proven digital innovations to help its clients achieve their product, supply chain, professional development, sustainability, and business ambitions.” He added: “I am delighted to be part of this extraordinarily talented and successful global consultancy team and look forward to helping Alvanon’s clients effect real and necessary change to their people, products, and processes in this digital age.”
Introducing MyAlva: The Consumer-Facing Solution
Launched in late 2024, MyAlva will let customers create virtual body avatars from measurements or photos and match them to brand sizing standards. Powered by Alvanon’s BodyAI engine, this tool compares real customer body shapes to each brand’s fit standards, offering accurate sizing recommendations.
“We match the consumer’s bodies to your brand’s fit standard,” Jason Wang, Chief Operating Officer at Alvanon said, “[in] an apples-to-apples comparison of the body shape and measurements of your customer to the brand’s body and fit standard that you are using to design and build your product on.”
The Alvanon Body AI gives brands insight into customer body shapes and sizing, while providing consumers with a simple, accurate sizing tool.
Sustainable Impact Through Better Fit
Alvanon’s technology also addresses fashion’s sustainability challenges by reducing returns and overproduction.
“By having garments developed on standards, you have consistently fitting products [for consumers] in store,” Jason Wang, Chief Operating Officer at Alvanon said. “You can then use technologies to drive up your sales, improve conversion, reduce returns, and lower your inventory by stocking the right sizes, improving profitability while creating less waste.”
Alvanon has supported brands in optimizing their product development processes, reducing reliance on physical samples, and improving overall efficiency. These advancements help the industry move toward greater sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
The Future of Fashion Technology
Alvanon’s comprehensive approach is shaping the future of fashion. Their blend of physical and digital tools, AI-powered analytics, and consumer-facing apps addresses the industry’s persistent challenges.
“We recognize the impact that generative AI can have as a catalyst for creativity and innovation and design,” Christina Onusko, Director of Blocks and Grading at Alvanon, said. “When it comes to the technical aspect of executing a design, there still needs to be a grounding in the design, really making real clothes for real people.”
With MyAlva’s launch and ongoing innovation, Alvanon is leading the way toward a more sustainable, efficient future for apparel, one focused on understanding and serving the real bodies that wear the clothes we design.