Salil Chawla, Director of DFU Publications, in conversation with Dr. Noopur Anand, Professor at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), on the sidelines of Technosummit 2025 (TechTank/TechnoTalk/TechNova), held on 9th June 2025 in New Delhi, India.
Dr. Noopur Anand, who served as the Principal Investigator for the IndiaSize Project—India’s first-ever National Sizing Survey—shared key insights into the groundbreaking initiative.
“We captured 3D body measurements of 26,324 individuals across India, covering six regions,” Dr. Anand explained. “From this, we statistically analyzed the data and developed 25 standardized size charts—13 for women and 12 for men.”
These size charts are publicly accessible at indiasize.in, with excerpts available for download, covering the most common size categories. Additional data, covering diverse height groups and body shapes, is set to be released by July 2025.
The IndiaSize project used advanced non-contact 3D whole-body scanners imported from the U.S. to ensure accuracy and consistency. Participants were selected using census data to reflect India’s diversity, with key demographic variables including region, gender, community, age, and income—all of which influence body structure.
Participants wore specially designed scan suits that neither compressed nor added bulk to the body, ensuring precise anthropometric data. Ethical protocols were strictly followed, including individual consent. Each scanning session lasted approximately 35–45 minutes, and participants were compensated with a gratuity and the scan suit as a token of appreciation.
The collected data was segmented into three height groups and five body shapes. Body types that constituted less than 2% of the population were excluded from the final charts to maintain commercial relevance and statistical validity.
Each category includes 10–11 size options—more than the standard 5–7 sizes typically used in the industry. Moreover, "most representative sizes"—those with the highest population concentration—were identified to help manufacturers and retailers tailor their products to the majority demographic.
“This data is extremely valuable for apparel manufacturers and retailers,” Dr. Anand (NIFT) emphasized. “It helps define target markets more precisely—by body shape, height, and size concentration—enabling more efficient, inclusive, and better-fitting clothing lines.”
In total, the project identified over 100 anthropometric landmarks, though the current release includes 60 key measurements—sufficient for manufacturing most garments and related products. For brands with unique or specific needs, custom data solutions can be provided on request.
“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Anand concluded. “We now have a scientific, representative foundation for creating size standards tailored to Indian consumers—something the industry has long awaited.”