Build it: Truthful Data & AI Solutions for Fashion Fit Technology
Welcome back, fashion tech enthusiasts!
In today’s fast-moving world of apparel innovation, getting garment fit right has never been more urgent. That’s exactly why Katy Schildmeyer, a leading fashion fit technologist and academic researcher, is pushing the boundaries of digital avatars, body scanning, and AI-powered sizing tools. She shares how her work aims to solve the persistent challenges of accuracy, inclusivity, and consumer trust in fit technology. This article accompanies our Build It series on our podcast, Venturing Into Fashion Tech.
Listen to the full conversation:
The High Stakes of Getting Fit Right
In the digital era, garment fit has become one of fashion’s most pressing challenges. A YouGov UK study revealed that 36% of adults said a negative fitting or shopping experience would stop them from purchasing, while 23.6% flagged fit as a primary concern. For brands, these numbers are a direct reflection of consumer trust and loyalty.
“An organization I’m part of called the OCAC—it’s the Open Circle Apparel Coalition—literally tries to solve the problem of fit: why things fail, where technology may fail, and how we can improve it to sell goods more accurately to consumers,” shares Katy Schildmeyer, a fashion fit technologist and academic researcher. The goal of the OCAC is clear: create an ecosystem where fit technology is both scientifically accurate and universally understandable, enabling brands to serve customers with confidence and precision.
In the 1990s, fashion retail often meant a personal, tactile experience. Katy recalls, “As a teenager in the 90s, we had brick-and-mortar stores, and there was a greater integration of someone teaching you about your body and how garments were made. They even had booklets sent to sales teams to educate them on construction and fit.”
That depth of communication has since diminished. “When the dot-com boom came, data was limited, and brands had to decide what to scrap. Unfortunately, it was the communication of fit,” Katy explains. This shift has had measurable consequences. Traditional stores once had return rates of 8–14%. By 2008, some stores saw return rates climb toward 30%, reflecting the cost of reduced consumer education and disconnected online experiences.
Academic Insights Driving Innovation
Katy’s recent paper, “Building Novel Dynamic Pattern Theory via 3D Body Scanning Data,” investigates how digital avatars, body scanning, and AI-powered fit tools can bridge this gap. The research also critiques how certain brands misuse these technologies, either through poor calibration or by prioritizing aesthetic marketing over functional accuracy. She found that AIMIRR technology was the most accurate approach to fit.
Global institutions are adding momentum to this research. MIT released findings this year on 4D knitted garments that adapt to the wearer’s body in real time. At the same time, Cornell University explored the role of fit models and 3D prototyping in improving garment precision. These advancements suggest a future where customization is not a luxury but a standard.
Why Truthful Data Matters for AI in Fashion
As AI becomes more integrated into fashion fit tech, the accuracy of the datasets it learns from is critical. “Without truthful representative data,” Katy notes, “AI will simply replicate the same fit problems we’ve been seeing for decades, but faster.”
Brands like COS, Tapestry, and certain Japanese denim makers are setting a strong example by merging sustainable production methods with fit-focused tech innovation. These companies prove that it’s possible to balance eco-conscious practices with precise garment engineering.
Note to the Reader:
If you take away one thing from this discussion as a fashion tech professional, let it be this—truth matters most. The success of any AI-driven fit solution depends on feeding it data that is accurate, representative, and free from bias. Without that foundation, even the most advanced technology will mislead rather than innovate. In the race to adopt new tools, never sacrifice the integrity of the information that fuels them.
Looking Ahead: Fit, Dignity, and Consumer Trust
The future of fashion technology isn’t just about speed or novelty, it’s about dignity. For Katy, well-fitted garments should serve everyone, including the aging population and those often overlooked by traditional sizing systems.
As fashion continues its digital evolution, AI-powered fit tools, backed by verified and inclusive data, have the potential to redefine how we shop. The result? Lower returns, happier customers, and clothing that truly fits—not just in size, but in how it supports identity, comfort, and confidence.
Want to Learn More and Connect?
If you believe in smarter shopping experiences and sustainable fashion, support Katy’s mission and explore how AIMIRR is transforming the way we try, size, and shop. Visit aimirr.com to learn more. Connect with Katy on LinkedIn.
If you're a brand leader or retailer looking to reduce returns, boost conversions, and offer truly personalized experiences, AIMIRR can help. Book a demo at Beyond Form to see how our patented AI and virtual try-on technology brings fit accuracy and customer satisfaction to the forefront. Let’s redefine the future of fashion—together.
