As part of the product development process, designers and their team, typically develop sample size garments for a specific size range based on their target market.<\/p>\n
When a sample is finished, it is usually checked for fabric type, compliance with specified garment measurements, and construction details. However, it\u2019s imperative that the garment is evaluated on a model in order to judge comfort, appearance and last but not least, fit.<\/p>\n
A fit session is a meeting between the design and technical teams where they assess the fit of a collection.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A fit session is a meeting between the design and technical teams where they assess the fit of a collection. Fit samples (samples sent from the factory at various stages of development to assess the fit) are sent from the factory.<\/p>\n
A \u2018fit\u2019 model who meets the customer profile in regards to size and shape is present to try the clothes on. The designer will make comments on the overall look of the garments, whether they\u2019re happy with the trims used and placement of them and whether the quality of the garment is as they expected.<\/p>\n
At these meetings, the pattern cutter will be on hand to make adjustments to the garments and to confirm approvals.<\/p>\n
To ensure a perfect fitting session it is important to ensure the following:<\/p>\n
Clarify the role and responsibility of attendees<\/h3>\n
There should be a maximum of 3-4 people present during a fit session:<\/p>\n
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- the business owner,<\/li>\n
- a designer,<\/li>\n
- a pattern cutter and<\/li>\n
- an assistant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
They will all have an opinion but it\u2019s important to determine, beforehand, who the final decision maker will be.<\/p>\n
It is difficult to address all of the issues that may arise if you\u2019re doing the fittings and taking notes and photographs alone. An assistant would be useful to address these areas and will free you up to focus on the process of explaining how things should look, to the business owner while you support the pattern cutter.<\/p>\n
Use a fit model who suits your customer profile size<\/h3>\n
Select a fit model who fits your customer profile size before any patterns are made. This ensures that all measurements are based on their spec.<\/p>\n
Most model agencies will allow you to audition a selection of models and once you have found one who fits your profile, take their measurements.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, there is no true standard for garment sizing in the fashion industry. What one company calls a size 10 may not be the same for a different company and therefore each designer can create their own interpretation based on their customer profile sizing.<\/p>\n
Some garment areas that will conform to standardization include neckline widths, sleeve widths, and the rise of a pair of trousers.<\/p>\n
In order for your garments to fit all of your customers perfectly, you would have to create bespoke clothing.<\/p>\n
Bear this in mind when you\u2019re fitting garments on the fit model and don\u2019t get hung up on chasing the perfect fitting.<\/p>\n
However, if your designs are for the teenage market and you use a model in her late twenties with a fuller figure then your samples will not fit or look good.<\/p>\n
Take technical notes during the fit session<\/h3>\n
The pattern cutter must ensure that all the garment measurements are checked against those on the Fashion Spec Sheet<\/a> prior to the fitting. Should the garment measurements correspond with the Spec measurements but the garment doesn\u2019t fit the model, then either the spec measurements will need to be altered or the stitching is wrong.<\/p>\n
Either way, another sample will have to be made and another session scheduled.<\/p>\n
Provide a \u2018Fit Comments\u2019 sheet for each style that is being assessed so that during the session, all amendments by the designer to the garments must be registered.<\/p>\n