The latest issues and innovations in garment sizing and fit will be the focus of a new one-day seminar being organised by the ASBCI (Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry) next month.

Specialists in size research and analysis, academia, advanced 3D technologists, high street brands and retailers are among the speakers lined-up for the event, titled 'The shape of things to come - new thinking and innovations in clothing sizing & fit'.

In the last five years an increasing number of retailers and brands have invested millions of pounds in consumer shape analysis and 3D-based design and manufacturing technologies in a bid to produce garments that deliver size and fit satisfaction.

In spite of this, consumer research and media coverage show that consumers are still frustrated at the inconsistencies.

What else can be done? What can the supply chain do to produce better fitting clothes and a consistent shopping experience? What impact will new 3D-based virtual fitting room, mirror technology and home-scanning innovations have on the fit experience? And crucially, how can the fashion industry positively engage the consumer in the size and fit issue?

Putting forward some solutions will be Dr Mike Fralix, CEO of [TC]2, who will examine the potential of next generation size, fit and supply chain technologies including the latest virtual mirror, fitting room and mobile phone innovations.

Alan Cannon-Jones, consultant for fashion design technology at London College of Fashion, will share his key observations on fit optimisation for menswear based on real case studies.

There will also be a keynote presentation from apparel fit expert Ed Gribbin, president of Alvanon Inc, looking at 'The shape of things to come'; an appraisal of the cost of fit by Jane Pye, ladieswear technical manager at Matalan; and a joint presentation on fit optimisation by Maggie Stott, senior pattern cutter at Warehouse and Jenni Murphy, marketing manager of fashion technology specialist, Lectra UK.

Julia Mercer, technical manager lingerie for M&S will address consumer size denial in lingerie; while Pierluigi Beradi, global marketing director at Invista will evaluate innovations in fibres for the shapewear and plus-size market.

Finally Richard Barnes, managing director of Select Research and Tony Rosella, course director for fashion, University of Hertfordshire will reveal the latest outcomes of the most recent children's sizing research.

Sponsored by Alvanon, with media support from just-style, 'The shape of things to come - new thinking and innovations in clothing sizing and fit' takes place on Wednesday 10 April at the Huntingdon Marriott Hotel, in Huntingdon, England.

Click here for bookings and further information or Tel: +44 (0)1422 354666.