Technical field

[001] The present invention relates to a tool, e.g. a jacket or trousers, for self-selecting its fit, particularly for enabling a tailor to produce a bespoke item of clothing with corresponding fit.

Background to the invention

[002] Made-to-measure clothing is a common offering from a tailoring service and has been known for many years. A customer requiring a customised clothing article typically visits, or is visited by, the tailor who takes multiple measurements and may advise on type of fit while considering the needs of the customer. This is a personalised service that may require time and inconvenience on the part of the customer or could be prevented altogether by limitations of the geographical location of the tailor or travel safety measures, such as experienced during a pandemic.

[003] In particular, women's clothing often requires additional adjustments (compared to men) to suit an item of clothing to the body.

Summary of the invention

[004] The present invention seeks to provide an adjustable clothing article, e.g. a jacket and/or pair of trousers, for self-selecting its fit, such that a user is able to perform fitting selection(s) remotely from the physical location of the tailor. At the least the tool will provide an alternative or simplification to a time intensive measurement session at a tailor's premises or other location.

[005] In a broad aspect the invention is defined according to claim 1. For example, a tool for self-selection may comprise: at least one sleeve or leg with an adjustable length by means of an adjustment zone (e.g. a plurality of adjustment points or continuous adjustment) to adjust a total length between a first and second end of the sleeve or leg, e.g corresponding to a shoulder proximate portion and a wrist/cuff/open end proximate portion. Particularly, the adjustment zone can be located above an open end of the at least one sleeve or leg, such that the open end itself (such as a defined cuff structure) is not affected by the adjustment.

[006] It is envisaged that the invention may provide an article of clothing in the form of an adjustable jacket that a user can customise to their own selection of desirable measurements, for subsequent use/examination by a tailor to produce a bespoke garment for the user. Particularly, a plurality of adjustable features allow self-determining of fit by the wearer, as opposed to an in-person tailor determining fit or an online body scanning service that could determine a suitable fit.

[007] In one example, the invention may be embodied by adjustable trousers for self-selection of fit that comprise: an adjustable length leg including an adjustment zone (configured for discreet stages or continuous adjustment) to adjust a total length between a first and second end of the leg (e.g. corresponding to a thigh proximate portion and a hem portion proximate the feet openings). Adjustment may be located/made at a mid-point of the leg, such as proximate a knee portion. The adjustment zone is not merely an adjustable hem at the open end as is common for trouser length adjustment, and can be interpreted as excluding such.

[008] The invention may be expressed as having at least one arm or leg with an adjustment zone to adjust its total length, wherein the adjustment zone is located distant from a hem/open end of the at least one arm or leg. The adjustment zone is generally displaced or located away from and inboard of the open end/hem - and is herein understood not to be a hem adjustment itself in the conventional sense (e.g. where material is folded under at the leg/sleeve opening and pinned, for later stitching to fix an arm or leg length in place). The adjustment zone may be located anywhere between a thigh portion of the trousers and (or on) the shin, e.g. above the cuff/hem; or between a shoulder portion and wrist in the case of a jacket.

[009] According to the adjustment options for the embodiment disclosed herein, there may be dozens of total permutations per jacket or trouser size, which is supplied according to a generalised measurement. It is envisaged there may be, for example, twelve core sizes. Each jacket or trouser size may be determined based on a combination of height and hips range measurements.

[0010] By way of overview, the invention may be comprised of a combination of one or more of the following adjustment aspects, e.g. relating to waist widths, arm/leg lengths and widths. Aspects relevant to a jacket include:

[0011] 1. Adjustable tabs/flaps to determine a required sleeve length, e.g. reducing sleeve length from 66cm to up to 54cm. A fabric tab and a column of buttons (vertical array of adjustment points)may be located on the front and/or back of each sleeve, e.g. proximate an elbow portion, to achieve this aspect of adjustment. In one form there are at least four, preferably at least six, adjustment points to temporarily fix a sleeve length. The adjustment means is preferably at a mid-length of the sleeve, e.g. proximate an elbow, so that the cuff of the sleeve (which may have decorative/closure buttons) is unaffected by the adjustment and sits comfortably against a user's wrist. In one form the sleeve may be telescopic, i.e. including an outer and inner sleeve that slide coaxially relative to each other, such that a total length of sleeve can be selected. Velcro®, buttons, or equivalent fasteners could hold 30 the selected length in place, assisted by markings on one or both of the telescopic sleeves.

[0012] 2. At least one, preferably at least two, zip-off or otherwise removable sections, e.g. each 4cm deep, that enable the user to choose between multiple jacket lengths, to suit their style, tastes, etc. In a preferred form the sections are removable completely, e.g by zip-off or Velco®. In the case of two removable strips there would be a total of three length adjustments.

[0013] 3. A plurality, e.g. four, central buttons, e.g. at 2cm intervals, to allow the user to choose a waist height that best suits their proportions (e.g. height and relative body length). According to a preferred method, only the button corresponding to the selected requirement is engaged into a button hole when the jacket is returned, or the preferred button location is noted to be reported to the tailor.

[0014] 4. A tab/flap in combination with a plurality, e.g. at least three, horizontally arrayed buttons on each side of the jacket's waist allow a user to select between classic fit, standard fit or slim fit cuts. Selection of a button (via a flap fixed at and extending inwardly from an outer edge of the jacket) toward a centreline of the jacket results in a tighter/slimmer fit.

[0015] 5. An additional selection option may be provided to a user in the form of one of the sleeves being uniformly narrower than the other, e.g. by 2cm reduction, in diameter or circumference. This presents the user with two sleeve (or leg) widths from which to choose. In this form, the sleeve, arm or leg diameter/circumferences are not adjustable per se, but of fixed form for choosing a preference by a user. Accordingly, there will be two options only. In alternative forms, a width adjustment (via flaps and adjustment points) may be provided laterally across a sleeve to custom ise/fine tune a sleeve width which is most desirable to a wearer.

[0016] 6. A set of adjustment points (e.g. four poppers) on each shoulder may allow a user to pick between multiple shoulder widths. [0017] In the case of trousers, the following adjustments are envisaged:

[0018] 1. Waist adjusters: proximate the waistband a fabric belt/flap may be provided that extends from a fixed position and attaches, at a distal end, onto buttons or like fasteners. For example, four sets of buttons on each side (eight buttons in total), each 2cm apart. Customers will be able to easily move the 'belt' flap between the buttons to select a waist width that is best suited for their body shape. Preferably the adjustment should be the same on each side, e.g. if a customer selects a "-4" (i.e. shortening to the second button) on the left side, they should make the same "-4" adjustment on the right.

[0019] 2. Inseam/leg length: the invention provides a telescopic shortening function of the leg length, e.g. via buttons or like fasteners spaced 2cm apart. Adjustable tabs/flaps determine a required leg length, e.g. reducing length by up to 20cm. A fabric tab and a column of buttons (vertical array of adjustment points) may be located on the front and/or back of each leg, e.g. proximate a knee portion, to achieve this aspect of adjustment. In one form there are at least four, preferably at least six, adjustment points to temporarily fix a leg length. The adjustment means is preferably at a mid-length of the leg, e.g. proximate a knee, so that the cuff/hem of the leg is unaffected by the adjustment and sits comfortably against or close to a user's foot. The adjustment zone generally extends laterally across the trouser leg, thereby adjusting the seam length (e.g. inseam and outer seam).

[0020] A tailor is typically most interested in the inseam length as a measure of leg length since the out seam may vary due to height of the trousers' rise above the hips.

[0021] The leg of the invention can be generally described as telescopic, i.e. allowing provision for the excess leg length to be folded on itself and secured by the fasteners or including outer and inner tubular sleeves that slide coaxially relative to each other, such that a total length of each leg in turn can be selected. Velcro®, buttons, or equivalent fasteners could hold the selected length in place, assisted by markings on one or both of the telescopic portions.

[0022] 3. Leg width: the two legs of the pair of trousers may have different silhouettes (e.g. fixed diameter, width, circumference dimensions) so that customers can select which they prefer, e.g. between a 'slim fit leg' and a 'straight fit leg'. In this form, each leg is of fixed uniform dimension laterally, but adjustable in length as described above. When one of the legs is narrower or with a different profile than the other, e.g. by 2cm, this presents the user with two width options from which to choose. Alternatively, at least one leg may have a guide line drawn down it, e.g. with provision to fold over excess fabric or an adjustable lengthwise pleat or split held in place by safety pins or suitable fastener such as a zip or poppers. Therefore, if the 'slim fit' is too tight for the user, they can remove the pins to open out the pleat for donning the trousers comfortably. In one form, the safety pins/fasteners will be spaced every 8cms.

[0023] According to the invention, customers will use the tool (jacket or trousers) to inform a tailor of their preference between at least one or more of the above adjustment elements. Such preferences can be entered into a form on a website, from which can be created a custom-made pair of clothing in any fabric of choice. Alternatively, the bespoke measurement can be matched with a pre-made size. The tool can be returned for re-use by the tailor with a new customer or, in the case of a customer requiring custom-fit clothing on a regular basis, retained for future use.

[0024] The jacket or trousers may be supplied remotely (e.g. received by mail delivery, rather than a visit to a tailor's premises) to be worn by the customer, where buttons or equivalent adjustment means are used to manipulate the fabric into different effective measurements to resemble, ultimately, how the customer's made-to-measure clothes will fit in practice. The tool/clothing may be annotated with markings/text to assist guiding the customer, optionally in combination with instructional videos, to make the selections.

[0025] When the jacket or trousers according to the invention have been customised, they are returned to the tailor to produce an article of clothing, the style and/or fabric of which can be separately selected by the customer and/or tailor.

[0026] The tool as described herein is not intended as a wearable item itself, although it is a functioning article of clothing that may be worn publicly by a stylistically adventurous individual.

[0027] In a particular expression of the invention, clothing for self-selection of fit, comprises: at least one arm or leg having an adjustment zone to adjust a total length of the arm or leg, wherein the adjustment zone is located above an open end of the at least one arm or leg so that the open end is unaffected by the adjustment.

[0028] The adjustment zone for trousers may be located on or between a thigh portion and a shin portion of the at least one leg, e.g. proximate a knee portion of the leg. The adjustment zone for a jacket may be located on or between an upper arm and forearm portion of the at least one sleeve, e.g. proximate an elbow portion.

[0029] The at least one arm or leg may be considered telescopic at the adjustment zone, enabling tubular portions to overlap.

[0030] The adjustment zone may be comprised of a plurality of adjustment points, e.g. comprised of a plurality of fasteners for mating with a complimentary fastener located on a tab element, for fixing a reduced length of the at least one leg in a plurality of positions. Alternatively or in addition, the adjustment zone may be comprised of mating fasteners that enable a continuous adjustment between a longest length and a shortest length.

[0031] A system or method is envisaged for measuring a person for the fit of an item of clothing, e.g. comprising: providing the person with a tool according to the invention, the tool being selected from a plurality of tools (e.g. range of jackets and trousers), each tool embodying a range of measurements from a maximum to minimum dimension; enabling the person to adjust the tool to conform to their personal body shape; providing the tool to a tailor, with adjustments fixed in place, from which measurements can be taken for the purpose of producing a bespoke item of clothing or selecting an item of clothing from a pre-made range.

Brief description of the drawings

[0032] The present invention will be described by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a jacket according to the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of the jacket;

Figure 3 illustrates a photographic view of the jacket;

Figure 4 illustrates a front view of trousers according to the invention; and

Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of the trousers.

Detailed description of the invention

[0033] The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the description. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive.

[0034] Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation, e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "upper" and "lower" are used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and/or direction. The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and crosscombinations of compatible features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination.

[0035] The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of steps or features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible steps or features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination. [0036] It will be understood that the illustrated embodiments show applications only for the purposes of explanation. In practice, the invention may be applied to many different configurations, where the embodiment is straightforward for those skilled in the art to implement.

[0037] Figures 1 and 2 broadly illustrate an embodiment of the invention, namely a jacket 10 that performs as a tool for self-selecting the fit of a clothing article, e.g. itself. The jacket 10 comprises recognisable structural features such as arms/sleeves 11, each extending from a distal cuff portion 12 to a shoulder portion 13 at the main body of the jacket 10, and a closure means 14 proximate a frontal centreline C of the garment, e.g. a series of buttons for holding the jacket in a closed state when worn. The jacket may have other recognisable features such as a collar/lapels 15 at an upper opening proximate a wearer's head and one or more pockets 16.

[0038] The tool/jacket 10 is configured for multiple adjustments so that a wearer can select a desirable/comfortable fit.

[0039] In a first adjustment option, tabs/flaps 17 located at a mid-position on each sleeve, are provided to determine a required sleeve length. Each elongate tab 17 is affixed to a sleeve at one end 18 (e.g. by sewing thread) while the opposite end includes an adjustment point receiving means, such as a button hole 19. A vertical array of adjustment points, e.g. buttons 20, on the surface of the sleeve provide an attachment point for affixing button hole 19 of tab 17. The sleeve, proximate an elbow area, can be bunched up or folded in order to reduce the total length of a sleeve 11, i.e. shortening/customising the distance between cuff 12 and shoulder 13, depending on which adjustment point 20 is selected.

[0040] The illustrated form shows a fabric tab 17 and a column of buttons 20 (vertical array of adjustment points) that may be located on the front and/or back of each sleeve, e.g. proximate or above an elbow portion, to achieve a first aspect of adjustment. Surface markings 21 provide a visual cue that may correspondent to an actual distance measurement, e.g. in centimetres, or some other scale.

[0041] In one form there are at least four, preferably at least six, adjustment points to removably affix a sleeve length. As shown, the adjustment means is preferably at a mid-length of the sleeve, e.g. proximate an elbow, so that the open end/cuff of the sleeve (which may have decorative/closure buttons) is unaffected by the adjustment and sits comfortably against a user's wrist when worn.

[0042] In one form the sleeve may be telescopic with overlapping portions, e.g. including an outer and inner sleeve that slide coaxially relative to each other, such that a total length of sleeve can be selected, either at discrete intervals or continuously. Velcro®, buttons, or equivalent fasteners could hold the selected length in place, assisted by markings on one or both of the 20 telescopic sleeves.

[0043] A second adjustment option may be embodied by at least two removable, e.g. zip-off, sections 22 at a lowermost edge 23 of the jacket 10. Each removable section is effectively a strip of material extending from a first edge of the jacket opening, around the rear, to a second edge of the jacket opening, proximate the first. Removable sections enable the user to choose between multiple jacket lengths (defined by bottom edge 23), to suit their style, tastes, etc. In a preferred form the sections remove completely. In the case of two strips as shown there would be a total of three length adjustments relative to a waist area of the jacket. Alternative forms may feature a foldable section such that a lower edge is not removed, but folded up and affixed/hidden in a new position. A telescopic feature may also be employed to achieve a "raisable" lower edge 23 in keeping with the alternative sleeve construction noted above.

[0044] The photographic view Figure 3 shows the zip off portions most clearly.

[0045] A third adjustment feature may be achieved by provision of a plurality of adjustment points, e.g. four central buttons 24 and corresponding receiving holes 25, e.g. at 2cm intervals, that enable a user to choose a relative waist height that best suits their proportions (e.g. height and relative body length). Only the button 24 corresponding to the selected requirement is engaged into a button hole 25 when the jacket is returned, or the preferred button location, via surface markings, is noted to be reported to the tailor.

[0046] A fourth adjustment aspect is embodied by a waist adjustment means located at a rear of the jacket 10 (see Figure 2), e.g. tab/flap 26 in combination with a plurality, e.g. at least three, horizontally arrayed buttons 27 on each side of the waist and centreline C that allows a user to select, e.g. between classic fit, standard fit or slim fit cuts as indicated by markings. Selection of a button 27 (via the flap 26 being fixed at and extending inwardly from an outer edge of the jacket) closer toward the centreline C of the jacket results in a tighter/slimmer fit.

[0047] A fifth adjustment/selection aspect is provided to a user in the form of one of the sleeves being narrower than the other, e.g. by a 2cm reduction in circumference or diameter/width, as indicated by dashed line 28 on the right sleeve 11 as viewed frontally. This presents the user with two sleeve widths from which to choose a preference. In alternative forms (not illustrated) a width adjustment (via flaps and adjustment points) may be provided laterally across a sleeve to custom ise/fine tune a sleeve width which is most desirable to a wearer. However, a two fixed sleeve profile/width options provides a more reliable indicator of comfort to a wearer. A customer could also provide a note to the tailor requesting an arm width/profile of their choice, i.e. "please make the sleeve width halfway between the normal and slim fit" or similar.

[0048] A sixth adjustment/selection aspect (e.g. a flap 29 and four points of adjustment 30) on each shoulder 13 is provided to allow a user to pick between multiple shoulder widths. Flap 29 is affixed at an outer side/edge of shoulder 13 and pulled to engage, via a mating element, to an adjustment point 30. The further inwardly the mating connection takes place, the narrower the effective shoulder width will be.

[0049] An aspect of the invention according to Figures 1 to 3 can be broadly described as a tool for self-selection of the fit of an article of clothing, e.g. a jacket. The jacket comprises sleeves that are adjustable in length by virtue of an adjustment zone that has a plurality of adjustment points, e.g. telescoping inner/outer sleeves and/or buttons cooperating with the button hole of a tab or equivalent fastening/placeholder structure. The jacket additionally includes customisable selection means associated with the overall jacket length, e.g. zip-off portions at a lowermost edge, waist height, waist width, sleeve width and shoulder width. The tool is intended to be delivered remotely to a customer so that selectable measurements can be made and then returned to a tailor for a made-to-measure item of clothing to be manufactured.

[0050] Figures 4 and 5 broadly illustrate an embodiment relating to trousers as the item of clothing associated with the tool of the invention. Figures 4 and 5 show front and rear views respectively of a pair of trousers 40 that serves as a tool for self-selecting the fit of a clothing article, e.g. itself. The trousers 40 comprises recognisable structural features such as legs 41 and 42, each extending from a distal cuff (e.g. hem) portion 43 to a waist portion 44, joined at a crotch portion 45 (e.g. featuring a fly 46). A closure means 47 proximate a frontal centreline C of the garment, e.g. one or more buttons for holding the trousers in a closed state when worn. The trousers may have other recognisable features such as pleats 48 at an upper end proximate the waistband and one or more pockets (not shown).

[0051] The tool/trouser 40 is configured for multiple adjustments so that a wearer can select a desirable/comfortable fit. For example, in a first (length) adjustment option, tabs/flaps 49 located at a mid-position on at least one of the legs, are provided to determine a required overall length without changing the configuration of the hem 43. Each elongate tab 49 is affixed to a leg at one end 50 (e.g. by sewing thread) while the opposite end is free and includes an adjustment point receiving means, such as a button hole 51. A vertical array of adjustment points, e.g. buttons 52, on the surface of the trouser leg provide an attachment point for affixing button hole 51 of tab 49. The leg, proximate a knee area, can be bunched up or folded over itself, generally telescopically, in order to reduce the total length of a leg 41 and/or 42, i.e. shortening/customising the distance between cuff 43 and the waist 44, depending on which adjustment point 52 is selected.

[0052] The illustrated form shows a fabric tab 49 and a column of buttons 52 (vertical array of adjustment points) that may be located on the front and/or back of each leg, e.g. proximate or just above/below a knee location, to achieve a first aspect of adjustment. Surface markings may provide a visual cue that may correspondent to an actual distance measurement, e.g. in centimetres, or some other scale.

[0053] In one form there are at least four, preferably five or more, adjustment points to removably affix a leg length. As shown, the adjustment means is preferably at a mid-length of the leg, e.g. proximate a knee of the user when worn, so that the cuff/hem 43 of the leg is unaffected by the adjustment and sits comfortably against or above a user's foot when worn. The illustrated form shows two adjustment means, either side of a knee, on the front side of the trousers, but alternative configurations are possible, such as one front, one rear. The adjustment flaps 49 may be fixed at a lower end (as shown) and extend upwardly to a fastening point 52, or oppositely, fixed at an upper end, toward a lower fastening point.

[0054] A leg is of generally telescopic form in that it may be neatly folded over/under itself and affixed to a desired length. It may be configured more specifically telescopically by featuring an outer and inner tubular length that slide coaxially relative to each other, such that a total length of leg can be selected, either at discrete intervals or continuously. Velcro®, buttons, or equivalent fasteners can hold the selected length in place, e.g. assisted by markings on one or both of the telescopic sleeves.

[0055] An optional adjustment option (not illustrated) may be embodied by at least two zip-off sections above the lowermost edge 43 of the trouser leg. Each section may be effectively a strip of removable material above the hem, so that the hem can be restored with a shorter leg length but unaffected hem features. Removable sections enable the user to further select, or as an alternative, between multiple leg lengths (defined by bottom edge 13), to suit their style, tastes, etc. An extension of this concept is provision for a set of hem styles that can be affixed by zip or other fasteners to each leg for further customisation. In the case of two zip-off strips there would be a total of three length adjustments relative to a waist area of the trousers.

[0056] The above function can also be applied to the jacket form of the invention, i.e. where one or more tubular portions along the length of the arm/sleeve (or leg) are removeable. In this way the overall sleeve length can be shortened (or lengthened by adding sections), but the open end put back in place for comfortable fitting against a wrist/hand of the user (or foot in the case of a trouser). Removability may be achieved by a zip fastener, hook and loop fastener, or any other mating fastening surfaces.

[0057] A second main adjustment feature may be achieved by provision of a plurality of adjustment points, e.g. sets of laterally spaced buttons 53 at 2cm intervals and corresponding receiving hole 54 of a flap/belt portion 55 fixed at one end. Such a feature enables a user to choose a relative waist circumference measurement that best suits their proportions (e.g. girth). Only a button 53 corresponding to the selected measurement (generally the same on each side) is engaged into a button hole 54 during fitting. The centre button 47 is disengaged in order for the trousers to be taken off for return.

[0058] The waist adjustment aspect is generally realised at two locations on the side of the trousers, above the hips. Symmetrically located tab/flaps 55 in combination with a plurality, e.g. at least three, horizontally arrayed buttons 53 on each side of the waist and centreline C that allows a user to select a comfortable fit. Selection of a button 53, into the opening 54 of the flap 55 fixed at and extending inwardly from an outer side of the trousers, closer toward the centreline C results in a tighter/slimmer fit.

[0059] A third main adjustment/selection aspect is provided to a user in the form of one of the legs 21 or 22 being configured or configurable narrower or profiled differently to the other, as indicated by line 56 on the right leg 42 as viewed frontally. This presents the user with two leg widths from which to choose. In alternative forms (not illustrated) a width adjustment (via flaps and adjustment points longitudinally along a split or pleat) may be provided laterally across a leg to customise/fine tune a leg width/profile which is most desirable to a wearer. Adjustment may be via a pleat or split up/proximate a seam (inseam or outer seam). [0060] The narrower leg (22) may be pinned in the narrow position by a plurality of spaced apart pins or fasteners 57. If the user has difficulty donning the leg set in a slim fit configuration, then the fasteners can be removed to let out the leg width, e.g. consistent with the other leg.

[0061] An aspect of the invention can be broadly described as a tool for selfselection of the fit of an article of clothing, e.g. trousers. The trousers comprise legs that are adjustable in length by virtue of an adjustment zone that has at least one adjustment point, e.g. enabled by telescoping (i.e. overlapping) inner/outer legs. Adjustment may be by buttons cooperating with the buttonhole of a tab or equivalent fastening/placeholder structure. The trousers additionally include customisable selection means associated with the waist measurement and leg width/style. The adjustable trousers are intended to be delivered remotely to a customer so that selectable measurements can be made and then returned to a tailor for a made-to-measure item of clothing to be manufactured.

[0062] The invention enables a method or system of measuring a person for the fit of an article of clothing, e.g involving providing the person with a tool, the tool being selected from a plurality of tools, each tool embodying a range of measurements from a maximum to minimum dimension. Across the plurality of tools it is intended that these would cover the majority of human, particularly female, body types. The person subsequently is able to adjust the tool to conform to their personal body shape, following which the tool is returned to a tailor, with adjustments fixed in place, from which measurements can be taken for the purpose of producing a bespoke item of clothing.