Comprehensive Analysis of Body Shapes in the Indian Male Population: A National and Regional Study

Abstract: The product creation process in India relies on imported anthropometric data from other nations, posing a major challenge for Indian consumers who desire tailored things that cater to their distinct physical attributes. Indian shoppers sometimes face difficulties in finding well-fitting garments due to the limited availability of comprehensive information on Indian body types and sizes. This issue is especially prevalent in the textile industry. The gravity of this situation is underscored by recent calculations indicating that apparel returns constitute a substantial 20% to 40% of sales, a trend that is exacerbated by the growing e-commerce sector.In response to the pressing need, a comprehensive statewide anthropometric survey was conducted using state-of-the-art 3D whole-body scanning technology. Conducted on a significant scale, this study encompassed a cohort of more than 13,000 male volunteers (total scanned subjects 13279 and valid subjects 12546), aged 15 to 70. The selection process was meticulous, ensuring representation from all six geographical regions of India. The collected data was methodically grouped into clusters, resulting in the categorization of body shapes on both a regional and national level. This classification technique was established based on accurate measurements of height and significant girth dimensions, specifically focusing on the waist, hip, upper hip, and chest girths.The three most frequent body types among Indian men, according to this indigenous survey, are the rectangle, the inverted trapezoid, and the trapezoid. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of body shapes at the regional level was conducted and compared to the shape clusters seen at the national level. The fundamental body structure groupings among Indian males were discovered to be in line with the national groupings, notwithstanding regional differences. The three primary male body forms were present in all the regions, however there were disparities in how common these shapes were. This ground-breaking study underscores how crucial it is to take regional variances in product sizing and design into account in order to appropriately serve the diversified Indian population.

Keywords: Anthropometry, 3D body scanning, Sizing survey, Body shape and size, National and regional shape clustering

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1004914

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