Apparel fit solutions specialist Hohenstein wants to improve how garments fit bodies, and it’s asking brands for help.
The German company is launching a global size study, asking brands to participate at no cost by encouraging their customers to download an app and build a profile based on their measurements and clothing sizes. The app, developed in partnership with Munich-based artificial intelligence sizing company Sizekick, allows consumers to input size and measurement data, which will then be combined with insights from Hohenstein’s network of more than 1,000 professional fit models.
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The data will focus on measurement points that have the greatest direct effect on fit—bust, chest, waist, hip and height. At the conclusion of the data collection period, which is scheduled to run through fall 2026, participating brands will receive summary reports of the findings from their own customers. The insights can then be applied to fit decisions, grading and market-relevant size chart development.
“Fit remains one of the biggest challenges in our industry,” said Simone Morlock, division head of Apparel Fit Solutions at Hohenstein. “Traditional size studies can take years before brands see anything actionable. This study is designed to deliver insights brands can use for more accurate fit, stronger consumer alignment, more effective grading and better market coverage.”
A recent report from fashion technology firm Aims360 found that the typical return rate for online apparel retailers can run as high as 38 percent, with fit uncertainty being the main driver of those returns.
Hohenstein said the digital-first methodology of data collection through Sizekick’s app enables scalable global participation in the study through mobile and in-store experiences, delivering continuous, structured insights that brands can immediately use. Participating brands are encouraged to offer consumers an incentive for completing a size profile on the app.
Sizekick debuted its AI-powered sizing technology nearly three years ago, backed by a 1.3 million-euro ($1.41 million) investment by Hohenstein, as well as the sizing specialist’s more than six decades of fit information, including a database of more than 18,000 3D body scans of everyone from infants to adults. Sizekick used this data to train its AI to improve the accuracy of size recommendations.
Sizekick works with a range of global brands, including Oscar de la Renta, Rrrevolve, Naturana and Snocks, among others.
“Over the past four years, Sizekick and Hohenstein have co-developed an AI-powered body measurement solution that enables the collection of accurate body data at scale, globally, using only a smartphone,” said David Oldeen, co-founder and CEO of Sizekick. “The real opportunity now lies in making that data actionable. Together with Hohenstein Apparel Fit Solutions, this study bridges the gap between consumer insights and decades of proven fit expertise to turn data into confident decisions.”
Interested brands and retailers can sign up for the program at Hohenstein.US/BodyData.
