The use of 3D virtual fitting technology: comparison between sourcing agents contractors and domestic suppliers in the apparel industry

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study provides insight into the use of 3D virtual fitting technology and different perspectives from the domestic suppliers and sourcing agents/contractors in the global apparel industry. A total of 213 participants from the apparel industry in South Korea responded to the set of questionnaires, pertaining to the industry’s current garment fitting process, the use of virtual fitting technology in the industry, and the industry’s viewpoint of the importance of utilising virtual fitting technology in the future. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, t-test, and chi-squared test were used to identify different perspectives of the virtual fitting technology use between domestic suppliers and sourcing agents/contractors. In findings, although the garment industry anticipates the use of virtual fitting technology in the near future, sourcing agents/contractors working with U.S. companies and domestic suppliers have significantly different viewpoints and uncertainty of virtual fitting software use in the current industry.