Mastering the Art of Fit Testing: 4 Keys to Success

So, you've got this incredible new apparel item or wearable product that's getting ready to launch soon, but there's one crucial step before it reaches the eager hands of your customers - the fit test. The goal is simple: make sure your products not only fit well but also function perfectly and are ready for prime time. And the best way to achieve that is by conducting a fit test. It's all about getting real people involved, collecting and analyzing data, and ultimately fine-tuning your product sizing and design. Easy, right? Well, not quite. Fit tests might sound straightforward, but there's a lot more to them than meets the eye. After years of conducting fit tests, we've distilled the process into four keys to ensure success.

1. Preparatory Planning: Lay the Foundation for Success

The foundation of a successful fit test lies in your preparatory planning. This stage involves several critical tasks, such as:

• Developing the fit criteria in collaboration with the product designer
• Crafting a test protocol that outlines the step-by-step process for the test
• Testing the protocol on practice participants to identify and resolve any issues
• Setting up electronic data collection for the anthropometric fit test data, among other logistical necessities

If you're testing garments, it's essential to measure them before testing begins. This step ensures that the garments are accurately sewn, within seam tolerance, and perform precisely as the designer intended. By addressing any issues with the measurements or functionality beforehand, you'll be better prepared for the fit test.

2. Well-Coordinated Logistics: Keep the Wheels Turning Smoothly

Fit tests can involve a cast of dozens – design team members, test participants, the measurement team, and the data collectors. With so many moving parts, well-coordinated logistics are the backbone of your operation. Having a dedicated coordinator collaborating and communicating among everyone involved can be a game-changer. They help ensure that the right people show up at the right time and in the right order.

The location of the fit test also plays a significant role in the logistics. We've seen it all, from dark and cramped stairwells to broom closets and even aboard ships. But the golden rule is this: well-lit, temperature-controlled, open spaces are the best. Consider doing a site visit before the fit test day to iron out any logistical wrinkles that could affect data collection.

3. Measure the Right Body Parts: Get the Essentials

Measuring the correct anthropometric dimensions associated with your garment or product is absolutely crucial. Depending on the product, you might need to measure the same dimensions on the body in different positions, such as standing and sitting. For example, when it comes to body armor with stiff ceramic plates, it's vital to assess the fit while standing to ensure adequate torso coverage. But assessing it while seated verifies that the plate doesn't interfere with the thighs or the neck. So, in such cases, measuring both standing and seated dimensions, like chest breadth, waist front length, and waist back length, becomes essential.

4. Measure the Right People (and Enough of Them): Represent Your User Base

Your fit test participants should represent the intended users of the product. After all, testing firefighter turnout coats on high school students doesn't quite cut it! To obtain confidence in the results, you'll need to test enough people, especially for sized items such as clothing or body armor. Ideally, participants should cover each intended size, and recruiting individuals who fit each size is essential. In general, having at least 5-10 people try on each size is a good rule of thumb. For example, if your item comes in XS, S, M, L, and XL, aim for a sample of between 25 and 50 individuals. For unsized items, be sure to include participants with a wide range of anthropometric dimensions, ensuring the product works well for all intended users.Fit tests are a necessary and rewarding part of product and apparel design. We hope these tips, combined with the right partner to guide your strategy and execute your test, will lead to a successful fit test that results in products that outperform their sales forecasts, without a deluge of returns. After all, who doesn't want a product that fits like a glove and works like a charm?