Imec and Antwerp University have formed an online shopping spinoff called Shavatar.

“I developed a model for predicting and visualising the human body shape in 3D, based on a limited number of parameters, with an average margin of error of just 7 millimetres compared to the person’s actual body shape,” says Shavatar co-founder Femke Danckaers, “consumers can do this at home, with no need for a scanner.”

The key to confidence in home-ordering clothes is getting the size right.

“Our survey among 200 people shows that 73% of consumers who want to buy clothing online ultimately decide not to place an order because they’re not sure it’s the right size,” says Shavatar CEO Geert Mertens, “of those who do place an order, 40% admit that they tend to order the same item in several different sizes, to make sure they get the right size. These observations obviously have a serious impact on business models in the industry.”

‘We consulted 36 stakeholders from the fashion industry to come up with a tool that would allow consumers to create their own avatars,” adds Meertens, “the tool then suggests the right size and fit of any given item. In a later phase, we will be able to superimpose garments on the consumer’s body shape. Our ultimate goal is to be able to visualise entire outfits this way.”

The European fashion industry generates 13.2% of its turnover via e-commerce. Some time ago, a study indicated that online sales were set to grow by an average of 8.6% annually by 2023. And that was before the coronavirus pandemic reared its head. However, retailers face a number of problems: for example, up to 70% of items ordered online are returned, often because it turns out the garment does not fit.

In the short term, the tool will be integrated in the online shops of various clothing brands, but you can already visit www.shavatar.me today and create your own 3D avatar. You will receive tailored advice for over 50 brands right away.