Smart garments measure customers’ exact body shape to avoid online clothes returns

Israel's LikeAGlove uses wearable technology to accurately calculate body shape, automatically showing users which size to buy online.

Consumers can now buy any type of fashion without hitting the high street, but online stores still have one glaring problem — there's no true digital equivalent of the fitting room on the web. Ideas such as UPcload — the platform that uses a webcam to take shoppers' measurements at home — have offered a decent attempt in the past, but now Israel's LikeAGlove uses wearable technology to accurately calculate body shape, automatically showing users which size to buy online.

First, customers get an elasticated smart garment in the form of a top or dress which is embedded with sensors. When they wear it, the garment uploads a 3D rendering of their exact body size and shape, along with their measurements. The shirts are even able to analyze how the material hangs or pinches as the wearer moves about. From this data, LikeAGlove can show users the right sizes they need to buy for particular brands. Eventually, the startup wants to create a search engine so users can easily shop through third party stores without having to worry about purchasing the wrong size and dealing with the returns process.

Watch the video below to learn more about the service:

LikeAGlove aims to launch in early 2015, although no pricing structure has been announced yet. Could this type of smart, at-home measuring be the future of tailored online goods?