Since the Industrial Revolution, society has become increasingly accustomed to the idea that the human body should fit certain standardised sizes (Small, Medium, Large). For body sizes on the perimeters of these the suffix of XX (small / large) is added, which is considered to extend to the size-set to incorporate diverse body types and be more inclusive. By scaling measurements from what is considered the ‘ideal’ we have garments that ‘should’ fit most, but at best, ‘sort-of’ fit many. Furthermore, the human body is rarely completely symmetrical.

The ideal-body is a myth, and if a body-type deviates even further from what is considered ‘the norm’ as represented in the fashion industry through standardised clothing, how is it possible to find clothes to fit?

As a young, independent person, who wants to look stylish and feel good, just like you do, but their body is constructed differently, how can they find clothing that suits them and fits them well? What defines well-fitting for them? Might they want to highlight and embrace their individuality, or try to conceal it? Considerations might be; can the clothing sit comfortably on their bodies? Do they need someone to help them dress, if so, what additional criteria needs to be considered? The garments cannot obstruct the equipment that they might need to use, or daily medical support. Beyond the physical aspects of the garment construction, like any young person, there are dress codes and social agenda’s that they also participate in.

By meeting stakeholders, find out what they want and need from their garments. How can they express themselves through their clothing? For some, perhaps tailor-made clothing is an option, but for many others the clothing should be affordable to buy or easy to customise, allowing them to experiment with their fashion identity. Use your expertise as fashion and textile designers and the technology you know to help your stakeholders, perhaps even designing together to find their unique expression which allows them to dress the way that they want to.