Apparel Fit Guide

Abstract

Each year thousands of millions of items of apparel are purchased. Within a large percentage of these transactions they are undertaken either by those for whom trying the item on prior to purchase is extremely difficult within the retail establishment or where the person they are buying for is absent. It is a common occurrence for additional time, effort and expense to be incurred taking the purchased item back to replace it or have a refund as the item does not fit as intended. by people for themselves or for others who are not present during the selection. Accordingly it would be advantageous to have a simple device to indicate the fit of items of apparel for the individual for whom the items are being purchased. Such a device is presented according to embodiments of the invention.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/250,946 entitled “Apparel Fit Guide” filed Oct. 13, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to apparel and more specifically establishing appropriateness of an item of apparel for an individual.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The market for apparel in the United States in 2005 totaled approximately $174 billion in 2005. This comprising approximately $77 billion for women's apparel, $48 billion for men's apparel and $49 billion for children's clothing. Within children's apparel girl's account for 50% of the market whilst infant/toddler clothing comprised 25% and boys 25%. In men's clothing suits account for 30%, tops 20% and pants 15% whereas for women tops account for nearly 50%, pants 25% and dresses 15%. Hence, assuming an average cost of $50 per item, that represents the purchase of 3.5 billion items of apparel.

For the majority of men and women purchasing items of apparel means a trip to a store, mall or other retail establishment, perusing the racks and shelves for items of interest, trying them on, deciding whether to purchase and progressing accordingly. Hence, even in this ideal circumstance purchasing any items of apparel involves additional time, typically an hour or two, and expenditure, gas, parking, wear and tear on motor vehicle etc increasing the effective cost of the items selected. Accordingly this situation is exacerbated when the person buying the clothing is purchasing for an individual who is not present should the selected items of apparel not fit requiring the purchaser to return to the store and either exchange or recoup their money.

How can such a situation occur? One would expect the purchase to know the size of clothing for the person they are buying for as they will typically be immediate family, such as their children, spouse, partner, sister, etc or have obtained information from immediate family or friends. As such they would be seeking for example a size 6X blouse for a young girl, a size 12 dress for a female adult, a large sweater for male adult, etc and will be able to find such items within the retail environments they are searching within.

Well despite published standards for clothing in the United States these were derived from statistical data in the 1940s and 1950s and there are no Government requirements for manufacturers to follow such standards. Accordingly over the past 20 years, the North American fashion industry has manipulated clothing sizes to accommodate its growing public, especially women. For example, the waist circumference on a 1984 size 8 dress was 25 inches (64 cm). In 1995 it was 26 inches (66 cm) and in 2004 it was 27½ (70 cm), a two-and-a-half inch (6.5 cm) difference from 1984 to 2004. Meanwhile sizing standards in other parts of the world remained constant, for example by regulations wherein in Europe the newest standard is EN 13402 and includes by clothing type what body dimension shall define the size of the item.

The situation is even more complex with a retail chain offering for example standard sizes, e.g. 12 Regular, petite, e.g. 12 petite, and Plus Sized, e.g. 12 Plus. Plus sized clothing in 2006 accounted for approximately 45% of apparel sold and is anticipated to grow to about 55% by 2012. According to Wikipedia (http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/us_standard_clothing_size) variants according to height etc for women include Misses, Miss Petite, Junior, Junior Petite, Young Junior, Women's and Half Sizes where increasing size within each type is denoted by numerical identifiers, e.g. 7, 9, 11 etc for Junior, 38, 40, 42 for women's, and 10½, 12½, 14½ etc for half sizes. Additionally many stores will use simpler sizing based upon S, M, L, and XL together with additional sizes of XXL, XXXL or 1X, 2X etc.

As a result even though the purchaser may have in their mind that their daughter is a 6X, based upon recently purchasing some apparel at Gap™ for example, clothing labeled 6X at other stores, such as for example Sears™, American Eagle™, Old Navy™ etc may be manufactured according to different sizing standards. As such purchasing items at these different stores may result in some or all of them not fitting their daughter requiring them to be returned. However, this may be repeated again if the adjusted sizes chosen by the purchaser in these stores do not match the 6X from Gap™, requiring another trip.

Naturally such return trips are a significant waste of time, resources and money. This being made even worse in situations where the purchaser is buying for someone who lives elsewhere within North America. In such situations the recipient might not have the same store in their locality, or even town making such returns extremely difficult. Potentially the store does not exist within the same state or even country.

In the above examples where the individual was at the retail establishment in the process of selecting and purchasing an item of apparel it was considered that it would be easy for them to take the item of apparel and try it on making the process less prone to error in choosing the incorrect size. However, this is not always the case as there are those with disabilities for whom such an activity at the retail establishment is not feasible. In 2007 the US Census Bureau listed at 51.2 million the number of people who have some level of recognized disability, namely 18 percent of the population of the United States. Of all people with disabilities, 32.5 million, or 12 percent of the US population, had a severe disability. This is without considering those who whilst being able bodied have some phobia or fear of undressing within a fairly public environment to try on possible items of apparel.

With the increasing penetration of the Internet then in some instances a potential buyer may go online and access the website of a retailer and seek their specific sizing guide. However, this then requires the user to print out and bring with them sizing guides for each store they may potentially wish to shop within, which is a cumbersome and laborious process. Further in many instances these guides may be unavailable even from major retailers, e.g. Nike™, or wherein retailers carry multiple manufacturers, such as Sears™ for example, or the particular selection varies frequently, e.g. end-of-line retailing clearance houses such as Winners™.

As such in a very high percentage of instances of an individual purchasing an item of apparel it would be beneficial for them to possess a guide to determining whether a particular item of clothing will either fit them or if being sized large enough to fit them has the desired fit, such as for example slim, regular or relaxed. It would be further beneficial if the guide was derived from a simple measurement of the individual, was simple to use allowing those with infirmities or visual impediments or elderly to utilize it, and inexpensive such that it can be widely employed and replaced in the event of loss as will naturally occur when such a tool is used within environments with clothes being tried on/off, moving around retail establishments etc. Further low cost benefiting low income families where a family may require three, four, or more guides to cover all family members.

Accordingly it is therefore desirable to provide an easy to use guide for the selection of clothing for individuals. It would also be desirable for the guide to be simple for those suffering handicaps or disabilities to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of the prior art.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a guide having at least a first end and at least a first predetermined region of a plurality of predetermined regions, each predetermined region being indicative of a measure of fit for an item of apparel with respect to a user and disposed in a predetermined location with respect to the first end of the device.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method comprising providing a guide having at least a first end and at least a first predetermined region of a plurality of predetermined regions, each predetermined region being indicative of a measure of fit for an item of apparel with respect to a user and disposed in a predetermined location with respect to the first end of the device.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts the range of chest measurements for women's blouses from a selection of retailers;

FIG. 2 depicts the range of waist and hip measurements for women's jeans from a selection of retailers;

FIG. 3 depicts the range of waist measurements for men's pants from a selection of retailers;

FIG. 4 depicts the range of chest measurements for men's shirts from a selection of retailers;

FIG. 5 depicts the variations in fit associated with a particular clothing size;

FIG. 6 depicts a measurement guide according to the prior art of Lewis (U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,224);

FIG. 7A depicts a measurement guide according to the prior art of Slilaty (U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,998);

FIG. 7B depicts a measurement guide according to the prior art of Oblander (U.S. Pat. No. 3,685,155);

FIG. 8 depicts how a dimension of a pair of pants varies with fit for same size garment;

FIG. 9 depicts a first step in a process according to an embodiment of the invention in measuring the individual for whom clothing is to be purchased;

FIG. 10 depicts a process flow according to an embodiment of the invention wherein an individual is measured using the guide and clothing selected for them using the guide;

FIG. 11A depicts a guide according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11B depicts a guide according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11C depicts a user guide associated with retailing a guide according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 depicts a measurement of an item of apparel using a guide according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 depicts embodiments of the invention for fit guides for visually impaired users;

FIG. 14 depicts an application of a guide according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 15 depicts an application of a guide according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a method of sizing an item of apparel for purchase or selection without requiring the individual to either to be present during the purchase/selection or try on the item of apparel.

Reference may be made below to specific elements, numbered in accordance with the attached figures. The discussion below should be taken to be exemplary in nature, and not as limiting of the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined in the claims, and should not be considered as limited by the implementation details described below, which as one skilled in the art will appreciate, can be modified by replacing elements with equivalent functional elements.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is depicted a graph 100 that shows the published chest measurements for women's blouses, both size 10 and size 14, from a selection of retailers who publish sizing guides online including Gap™, Reitmans™, American Eagle™ and Tommy Hilfiger™. As shown a size 10 may vary from 36.5 inches with Oakley™ to 40 inches with Zappo™. Looking at the size 14 dimensions then we see that A is evident from the graph 100 the 40 inches of a Zappo™ size 10 is larger than the Oakley™ size 14 and only slightly smaller than the size 14's sold by Gap™, Reitmans™ and American Eagle™ which measure 40½ inches. Overall the size 14 dimensions range from 39½ inches with Oakley™ to 42½ inches with Liz Claiborne which is larger than a size 16 from Gap.

FIG. 2 depicts a graph 200 that presents the range of waist and hip measurements for women's jeans from a selection of retailers. Considering firstly a size 10 pair of jeans then we observe that the waist measurement goes from 28 inches (Oakley™) to 33½ inches (Liz Claiborne™), a range of 5½ inches. Likewise the hip measurement ranges from 39 inches (Oakley™) to 41.5 inches (Gap™), a range of 2½ inches. Additionally we can see for many manufacturers the hip measurements are missing from published data, such as Liz Claiborne™ and Addition Elle™ for example. We also see that the waist-hip difference with a size 10 pair of jeans varies also, from 9 inches with Roots for example to 12½ inches with Gap™.

Now considering published measurements for a size 14 pair of jeans then we see that the waist measurement ranges from 31 inches (Artik™, Oakley™) to 36.5 inches (Liz Claiborne™) and the hip ranges from 42 inches (Oakley™) to 44 inches (Roots). Again we find that not only does a single dimension, i.e. waist, vary substantially between different manufacturers and retailers but also that within each garment there is a variation in sizing, as shown by the waist-hip difference.

Now referring to FIG. 3 there is depicted a graph 300 which shows the range of waist measurements for men's pants from a selection of retailers for sizes medium (M) and large (L). Looking firstly at medium then we find that the waist measurements range from 32 inches (Dickies™) to 35 inches (Columbia™). In contrast for large the waist measurements range from 34 inches (American Apparel™ and Oakley™) to 39 inches (Roots™). Not only therefore do the measurements for large pants vary more than medium but the difference between each size shifts dramatically within manufacturers. For example the difference between large and small with Oakley™ is just one inch whereas with Roots™ it is 5 inches. Hence, should someone have purchased medium pants at either of these stores and then find them too small, and subsequently choose large it is likely that in the case of Oakley™ these will still not fit (being only an inch different) and that the Roots™ pants will be too loose (being 5 inches different).

Referring to FIG. 4 there is depicted graph 400 showing the chest dimensions for men's shirts from a selection of retailers, similarly sold as medium and large. Considering initially the medium shirts then the chest measurements range from 40 inches for multiple retailers including Oakley™ and Roots™ to 42 inches from American Eagle™. For large the measurements range from 42 inches (Roots™ for example) to 45 inches (American Eagle™ for example). Again a purchaser of a shirt from retailers such as Tommy Hilfiger™ and Roots™ might find that a large from an exchange on an original medium purchases offers a slim or form fit due the increase in size of only 2 inches versus a more regular or relaxed fit from the 4 inches difference with retailers such as American Apparel™ and Columbia™.

The fit of apparel is shown in FIG. 5 where the variations in fit associated with a particular clothing size are depicted. Accordingly for tops there are shown fits form fitting top 510, slim fit top 520A, regular fit top 530A and relaxed fit top 540A. For each of these there is an associated gap, being first to fourth gaps 550 through 590 respectively, between the body of the individual wearing the item and the fabric of the item of apparel. The gap, being first through fourth gaps 550 through 590 increasing as the fit ranges from form fitting through to relaxed.

Similarly, with pants there are shown varying fits, being form fitting pants 510B, slim fit pants 520B, regular fit pants 530B, and relaxed fit pants 540B, wherein there are varying gaps between the wearers body and the item apparel at their hips, being first to fourth hip gaps 515A through 545A respectively and first to fourth knee gaps 515B through 545B respectively. Other aspects of fit may also vary, as indicated by the silhouettes of the clothing against the body within FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6 there is depicted a measurement guide 600 according to the prior art of Lewis (U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,224) wherein a series of templates, first template 610 through sixth template 660. Each template represents an effective cross-section through the chest or abdomen of an individual which has been selected from a measurement of the individual. According to Lewis the intention is that the individual take the template, representing themselves or the individual they are purchasing for, with them to the retail establishment and insert this into the item of apparel to determine the fit. It would be apparent to one skilled in the art that transporting and using a rigid template having dimensions of a human body. Equally it would be apparent that using the template is cumbersome and awkward for even an able bodied person yet alone one with limited dexterity, manual disability etc. Further judging fit would also be difficult. As such the invention of Lewis has not gained any commercial or other exploitation to the benefit of clothing purchasers.

Now referring to FIG. 7A there is depicted a measurement guide 700 for shirts according to the prior art of Slilaty (U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,998). Accordingly the individual places the measurement guide 700 around their neck, first portion 710 sitting to the front of them as the collar of a shirt would normally. They then adjust second portion 72—to the desired fit whereupon a measurement is read from the second portion 720. Accordingly the user obtains a neck measurement which can be used to purchase tailored shorts which are typically sold by neck size, e.g. 15, 15½, 16 etc. Therefore as long as the shirt manufacturer follows a standard, such as EN 13402 then the purchaser knows the shirt will fit. However, as described supra in North America such standards are not generally followed, nor does this help wherein the retailer uses M, L, XL etc, or where the users stomach is perhaps larger than EN 13402 defines such that whilst the short fits around the neck it does not around their stomach. Accordingly, measurement guide 700 really only addresses a very specific section of the market, formal shirts.

Referring to FIG. 7B there is depicted a measurement guide 750 for measuring an individual for use in making clothes with a pattern according to the prior art of Oblander (U.S. Pat. No. 3,685,155). According to Oblander an individual takes a tape 760 and wraps it around their body at the appropriate point, such as waist, hips, sleeve, and makes a mark at that point on the tape 760. They then apply a pre-printed sticker to the tape at that location, being waist marker 774, hip marker 776 and sleeve marker 772 respectively. Each of these markers being the same size and their locations being subject to human error as the user marks a point and then attaches the sticky marker. The user then takes the tape 760 and lays this down onto a pattern, comprised of first and second pattern pieces 782 and 784 respectively, allowing them to adjust each of the first and second pattern pieces 782 and 784 such that one edge of the pattern sits on one side of the pattern and a predetermined point on the sticky marker, e.g. hip marker 776, sits on the other side of the pattern. Each stickly marker, such as hip marker 776, has a predetermined marking set at a predetermined distance from the middle, for example 2″ for hip marker 776. This distance being the standard “ease” within the garment industry for that garment and that part of the garment. The user then uses the adjusted pattern in conjunction with their chosen fabric to make the garment. Accordingly the tape 760 with the sticky markers provides a means of adjusting a pattern during making of a garment but maintains the industry standard ease.

Now referring to FIG. 8 there is depicted a schematic 800A showing how a cross-sectional view of how a dimension of a pair of pants varies with fit for the same nominal size. Also shown is graph 800B showing the measurements for this dimension. Accordingly in schematic 800 a cross-section 810 of a user is shown. Then shown are cross-sections of a garment for form fit 820, slim fit 830, regular fit 840 and relaxed fit 850. As can be seen the cross-section increases as the fit goes from form fit 820 to relaxed fit 850. For each fit the garment has a periphery dimension, which as shown in graph 800B varies from 40 inches for form fit 890, to 41 inches for slim fit 880, to 43 inches for regular fit 870 and 45 inches for relaxed fit 860. As such differences from the form fit 890 are 1 inch, 3 inches and 5 inches which are relevant when considering purchasing a garment as typically any measurements made on an individual of waist, chest etc are form fitting a the measuring tape is tight around that portion of their body. Accordingly the individual does need to know neither these differences nor the particular dimensions of a garment they are trying as it is the comparison of the later with the former that will define the appropriateness of the garment to the user.

FIG. 9 depicts a first step in a process according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the baseline measurement for a measurement guide, according to an embodiment of the invention, for an individual for whom clothing is to be purchased is shown. As such person 910 has two measurements made, being bust 920 and hips 930. For the bust 920 a blank tape is wrapped around the bust of person 910 and adjusted until it is deemed to be form fitting to them. This first tape length 922 forms the periphery measurement of their body at the bust. This tape is then halved to form first shortened tape 924 wherein a mark is made at the fold and identified with a marker denoting the measurement, such as a “B”. Next the tape is unfurled again and the same process repeated to make the measurement of their hips 930. This time a second tape length 932 is obtained, which is again folded in half to form second shorted tape 934, to which another mark is added at the fold with an indicator, for example “H”. Accordingly the fit of a top or bottom may be determined with reference to each of the first and second shortened tape lengths 924 and 934.

It would be apparent to one skilled in the art that additional measurements could be taken for an individual including but not limited to neck, waist, thigh etc. Further it would be apparent that as the measurements made on the individual are established from a determination of a periphery of a body portion and simply halving the device making the determination that the device making the determination does not have to have any marking, numbering, pattern or other artifact. Also it would be evident to one skilled in the art that the device may accordingly be formed from a variety of materials including but not limited string, fabric, rope, paper, wire etc.

Referring to FIG. 10 there is depicted a process flow according to an embodiment of the invention wherein an individual is measured using the guide and clothing is selected for them using the guide. Accordingly the process begins at step 1005 wherein a helper takes a blank measuring guide and in step 1010 measures the circumference of the individual's body at the chest or bust. Then at step 1015 they take the blank tape from the start to this measurement point and fold it in half allowing them to find the halfway point, after which they mark that point with a line and an indicator “B”. Then at step 1020 they perform a second circumference measurement at the hip of the individual. Then in step 1025 they repeat the process of determining the half-way point for this circumference measurement and mark this with a second line and an indicator “H”. The two measurements being made from a common start point. Next in step 1030 the fit guide is attached to the common reference point of the measurement device, at which point the guide is ready to use in step 1035. This completes the first stage of the process wherein the measurement guide is prepared for use. This first stage being similar to that depicted supra in FIG. 9.

In the second stage of the process the helper takes the guide to a retail establishment and looks for an item of clothing for the individual. At step 1040 a selected item is removed from a rack (or shelf/display area) and then in step 1045 is laid flat, such that the garment is presented with half the material at the back and half at the front. Then in step 1050 the guide is laid across the garment. At step 1055 the appropriate marker, i.e. “H” or “B” is placed to the left edge of the garment. At step 1060 the measurement device is laid across the garment and the helper looks at where the right edge of the garment and in step 1065 the individual looks at whether that edge sits within the band on the measurement device that has the desired fit for the individual. At step 1070 a decision is made as to whether the garment is acceptable. If the decision is no then the process moves to step 1075 and the garment is replaced and the process returns to step 1040 with the selection of another item of clothing. If the decision is yes then the process moves forward to step 1080 and the helper purchases the garment. Next in step 1085 the helper determines whether more apparel is to be tried and/or purchased. If the decision is that more clothing will be tried then the process moves to step 1040 and continues. If the decision is no then the process moves to step 1090 and terminates.

It would be evident to one skilled in the art that the measurement device may be formed as a single entity rather than as presented supra in FIG. 10 being formed from two elements. It would also be evident that the same guide could be used for multiple individuals with markings indicating the name of the individual as well as the specific measurement. Equally a discrete measurement device may be used for each individual. Also the purchasing step and decision to select more garments may be juxtaposed without impacting the overall result as can the sequence in which measurements of the individual's body are made.

Whilst the embodiment described supra in respect of FIG. 10 was described in respect of a helper and an individual it would be apparent to one skilled in the art that these may be the same person, whether able bodied, disabled, etc. Equally, as the measurement device when employed in making a garment determination does not necessarily contain any measurements in centimeters or inches there is also the removal of embarrassment for the individual as a helper does not know whether the individual is 36 inch, 38 inch etc.

Referring to FIG. 11A there are depicted exemplary front and back portions 1100 and 1150 respectively of a guide according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown the front portion comprises first section 1160 that explains how to establish the measurements of an individual and second portion 1170 that explains how to use the guide upon an item of apparel. The back portion 1150 comprises four fit guides 1130 through 1145 respectively. First fit 1130 being for tops, second fit guide 1135 for jackets, third fit guide 1140 for coats and fourth fit guide 1145 for bottoms. Within first fit 1130 for tops are shown the fit ranges which are molded 1105, also known as form fitting, close fit 1110, semi-fitted 1115, also known as regular, loose fit 1120, also known as relaxed, and very loose fit 1125.

It would be evident to one skilled in the art that the guide may include more fit guides, such as fit guides 1130 through 1145 or may include fewer fit guides. Optionally the fit guide may be created for different population groups, such as men, women, boys, girls etc as well as to reflect ethnic or other preferences. It would also be apparent that the categories may be further divided, for example with women to reflect for example Misses, Miss Petite, Junior, Junior Petite, Young Junior, and Women's as discussed supra. Similarly the markings to denote particular fits and the nomenclature used may be varied according to sex, language, ethnicity, or other factors according to the target population base. Optionally the guide may be branded by a particular clothing manufacturer, retail store or other organization.

Now referring to FIG. 11B there is depicted a guide 1175 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown the guide 1775 comprises four individual guides of which only two are identified in FIG. 11B, being first garment guide 1175A for coats and outerwear and second garment guide 1175B for tops and shirts. The other two guides not explicitly identified being for jackets/sweaters and pants/skirts. Each garment guide being seperable from the guide 1175 by tearing along seperation lines 1185A. Optionally the garment guides being cut out from the guide 1175. The description will focus on first garment guide 1175A but the principles apply to each garment guide. Marked on the first garment guide 1175A is reference line 1185B which represents the point at which the tape, such as tape 922 or shortened tape 924 described in respect of FIG. 9 supra, would be attached. Marked at predetermined positions with respect to the reference line 1185B are multiple regions associated with bands for which a garment of the type associated with the garment band, which for the first garment band 1175A is coats and outerwear, has different fits. These being snug 1180A, regular 1180B, relaxed fit 1180C, and loose fit 1180D. For second garment guide 1175B these regions are very tight 1180E, snug 1180F, regular 1180G, relaxed fit 1180H, and loose fit 1180J. It would be evident that guide 1175 allows the user to purchase a single guide kit and generate multiple garment guides for use in purchasing clothes for themselves, members of their family, or others.

Referring to FIG. 11C there is shown a user guide 1190 providing user information for a guide such as guide 1175 or guide 1150 in FIGS. 11B and 11A supra respectively. The user guide 1190 comprises sales and marketing information as well as information tips. Such tips for example including using the guide with stretch knits and active wear 1195A, measuring for waist as well as chest/bust 1195B, addressing larger tummy 1195C, larger bust 1195D, and garments with pleats/gathers 1195E.

Now referring to FIG. 12 there is depicted a measurement of an item of apparel using a guide according to an embodiment of the invention, and being similar to the second stage of the process flow described supra in respect of FIG. 10. Accordingly an individual has selected a shirt 1210 to assess using fit guide 1220 which comprises first portion 1230 and second portion 1240. Accordingly the individual has laid the left edge of the fit guide 1220, being the first portion 1230 with the mark and reference indicator “T” to the left edge of the shirt 1210 and laid the fit guide 1220 across the shirt such that second portion 1230 lies at the right hand edge of the short 1210. Thus as shown the user selects visually the “Top” guide 1250 within the second portion 1240 of the fit guide 1220 to see where the edge of the shirt 1210 lies. As such it lies within the close fit 1260 region of the “Top” guide 250.

Referring to FIG. 13 there are shown Braille guide 1310 and visual guide 1350 according to embodiments of the invention. As discussed supra the guides according to embodiments of the invention have been primarily discussed with respect to those of impairments or impediments that prevent them trying the garment on when looking within a retail establishment or wherein the person for whom the apparel is intended are absent. However, in many instances the person selecting the item may be visually impaired or be blind. As such Braille guide 1310 and visual guide 350 are just two alternate embodiments wherein the guide is tailored to a particular group of people. Hence Braille guide 1310 comprises an identifier 1315 for the item of apparel, in this case tops, and regions 1320 through 1335 for the different fits. Each region being differentiate by a pattern of small raised dots and containing within the Braille text appropriate for that region. Accordingly the regions 1320 through 1335 are tight, slim, norm(al) and relax(ed).

Similarly, visual guide 1350 contains apparel identifier 1355, being “top” and text for the four regions 1360 through 1375 respectively, being again tight, slim, norm(al) and relax(ed). In contrast to back portion 1150 of the fit guide presented supra in respect of FIG. 11 the text is now large within each of the four regions 1360 through 1375 allowing use by a user with poor visual acuity, such as the partially blinded or the elderly for example.

Referring to FIG. 14 an application of a guide according to an embodiment of the invention is shown for use in either ensuring a pattern to be made fits an individual or adjusting a pattern to suit the individual. Accordingly there is shown a pattern set 1400 comprising front 1410, collar 1420 and back 1430. Also shown laid onto back 1430 is a guide 1440 comprising tape 1440A and guide 1440B which as shown comprises a garment guide portion such as second garment guide 1175B. Accordingly the user can determine the fit for the garment based upon the measurement made on the back 1430 or adjust the pattern set 1400 such that the adjusted pattern pieces, front 1410 and back 1430 will give the desired ease and fit.

Now referring to FIG. 15 there is shown an application of a guide according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in webpage 1500 a user has accessed an online offer to sell a blouse 1510 such as using eBay™ for example. However, there is an issue for seller and buyer in knowing how to size the garment for sale and fit once purchased respectively. Accordingly the seller has taken the photograph, which is shown expanded in image 1550 of the blouse 1520 with a measuring guide 1530 superimposed upon it. The measuring guide 1530 comprising a tape 1530A and guide 1530B, such as second garment guide 1175B described supra in respect of FIG. 11. Tape 1530A being unlike shortened tape 924 or first portion 1230 as described in FIGS. 9 and 12 respectively in that it is marked with markings representing sizing. Unlike determining the fit of a garment in a retail establishment the user starts by placing the guide 1530B at the ease the garment and then the marking on the tape 1530 denotes the size of the garment so that the seller knows how to list the item for sale and provides the potential buyer with physical proof that the item is the size the seller states.

It would be apparent to one of skill in the art that each of the tape 1530A and guide 1530B portions may be varied according to the embodiments taught supra as well as others that do not depart from the scope of the invention.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a guide having at least a first end and at least a first predetermined region of a plurality of predetermined regions, each predetermined region being indicative of a measure of fit for an item of apparel with respect to a user and disposed in a predetermined location with respect to the first end of the device.

2. A device according to claim 1 further comprising:

a tape comprising at least an end, a distal end, and a marking disposed relative to the first end indicative of a measurement of a predetermined region of the user.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein,

the indication of fit for a predetermined region of the plurality of predetermined regions is provided by at least one of a marking indicative of dimension, a marking not indicative of dimension, a marking providing reference to a standard, an alphanumeric character, a marking providing reference to a predetermined fit, and a marking providing reference to a predetermined reference of a manufacturer.

4. A device according to claim 2 wherein,

a user may make a determination of a fit for an item of apparel by using the guide and the tape in a predetermined relationship with respect to one another in combination with an aspect of the item of apparel.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein,

a predetermined region comprises at least one of an alphanumeric character, a Braille character, a pattern, a colour, a marking, and a surface texture.

6. A device according to claim 2 wherein,

the tape is at least one of absent markings indicative of dimension and possessing marking indicative of dimension.

7. A device according to claim 2 wherein,

the tape is at least one of integral to the guide, demountably attachable to the guide, and attachable to the guide.

8. A device according to claim 1 wherein,

the plurality of predetermined regions comprise a first guide of a plurality of guides, each guide relating to a different type of apparel wherein the predetermined regions within each guide of the plurality of guides are related to that type of apparel.

9. A device according to claim 1 wherein,

the guide is made from at least a first material of a group of materials, the first material being selected from the group comprising paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, string, rope, wire, and an organic material.

10. A device according to claim 2 wherein,

the tape is made from at least a first material of a group of materials, the first material being selected from the group comprising paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, string, rope, wire, and an organic material.

11. A method comprising:

providing a guide having at least a first end and at least a first predetermined region of a plurality of predetermined regions, each predetermined region being indicative of a measure of fit for an item of apparel with respect to a user and disposed in a predetermined location with respect to the first end of the device.

12. A method according to claim 11 further comprising:

providing a tape comprising at least an end, a distal end, and a marking disposed relative to the first end indicative of a measurement of a predetermined region of the user.

13. A method according to claim 11 wherein,

providing the indication of fit for a predetermined region of the plurality of predetermined regions is provided by at least one of a marking indicative of dimension, a marking not indicative of dimension, a marking providing reference to a standard, an alphanumeric character, a marking providing reference to a predetermined fit, and a marking providing reference to a predetermined reference of a manufacturer.

14. A method according to claim 12 wherein,

a user may make a determination of a fit for an item of apparel by using the guide and the tape in a predetermined relationship with respect to one another in combination with an aspect of the item of apparel.

15. A method according to claim 11 wherein,

a predetermined region comprises at least one of an alphanumeric character, a Braille character, a pattern, a colour, a marking, and a surface texture.

16. A method according to claim 12 wherein,

the tape is at least one of absent markings indicative of dimension, possessing marking indicative of dimension,

17. A method according to claim 12 wherein,

the tape is at least one of integral to the guide, demountably attachable to the guide, and attachable to the guide.

18. A method according to claim 11 wherein,

the plurality of predetermined regions comprise a first guide of a plurality of guides, each guide relating to a different type of apparel wherein the predetermined regions within each guide of the plurality of guides are related to that type of apparel.

19. A method according to claim 11 wherein,

the guide is made from at least a first material of a group of materials, the first material being selected from the group comprising paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, string, rope, wire, and an organic material.

20. A method according to claim 12 wherein,

the tape is made from at least a first material of a group of materials, the first material being selected from the group comprising paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, string, rope, wire, and an organic material.