Could a portable body scanner reduce ill fitted clothing online?

Returned items due to ill-fitting clothing is one of the biggest problems facing online retailers, well a new portable body scanning device could make returning clothes a thing of the past.

Developed by a team of scientists in Switzerland, the SizeGenie marks a new generation of body scanning technology, it’s the first that’s small, foldable and affordable, with the device starting at just 29 dollars, and it is has launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring the product to market.

The device by BodyCloud accurately takes a users measurements in a matter of seconds, helping customers get the perfect fit. It works by repurposing infrared scanners and body scanning technology used for medical purposes to give users 34 precise measurements, which are used by tailors and fashion designers.

The user simply plugs the device into a computer, stands in front of the camera and rotates as directed, with the measurements provided within seconds to give an exact size, including everything a designer needs to create fully bespoke garments.

“People don’t have time to shop for clothes and at the same time don’t feel confident to shop for clothes online, because they never know if they will fit,” explains Tom Brooks, business developer of BodyCloud. “For example a medium for one brand could be a small or a large for others. So much time is wasted with double orders, returns and refunds when shopping.”

The SizeGenie Kickstarter campaign will last 40 days and it is hoping that consumers will get behind the product to have the convenience of quickly measuring themselves at home to shop accurately online for bespoke suits, dresses and sport apparels. As well as targeting fashion companies who would be interested in integrating a ‘Fit Me’ button on their online shopping sites.

BodyCloud launches Kickstarter campaign for SizeGenie

The campaign is looking for 30,000 dollars to start production of the portable body scanner. Ten days in, the crowdfunding campaign has already attracted 161 backers, raising just over half the amount. Investors who pledge 1 dollar will receive a thank you e-card, while backers donating 25 dollars will be given the early bird SizeGenie backer rate to buy the product at a special rate. Pledges over 1,000 dollars will get a retailer integration kit allowing them to add ‘Fit Me’ buttons onto their website, while 5,000 dollars will allow the backer to visit BodyCloud HQ as well as receive the product.

The product has also received endorsement from fashion designer Angela Missoni, "The possibility to simply and rapidly capture one's measurements has the potential to revolutionise the way we conceive of and participate in e-commerce," she said.

Pietro Veragouth, creator of BodyCloud, added: “We have been working with scanning experts and the fashion industry to really change the way people buy clothes online. The SizeGenie website will be integrated with brands online via a ‘Fit Me’ button that will prompt the user to take measurements - making online shopping even easier for consumers.”

BodyCloud’s SizeGenie Kickstarter campaign will run until November 22. The project will only be funded if at least 30,000 dollars is pledged.

Images: BodyCloud/SizeGenie