The fast fashion industry has long been a silent culprit behind the growing environmental crisis. With its breakneck production cycles, low-cost materials, and culture of disposability, fast fashion generates an astonishing amount of waste and pollution. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the fashion industry accounts for up to 10% of global carbon dioxide output — more than international flights and shipping combined. Additionally, it produces 20% of global wastewater and releases half a million tons of microplastics into the ocean annually. It’s clear that fast fashion's environmental toll is staggering.
One of the less obvious but equally harmful consequences of fast fashion is its connection to the problem of fit and sizing. Ill-fitting garments result in high return rates, with some estimates suggesting that 30-40% of online fashion purchases are returned — a significant portion due to sizing issues. The environmental impact of these returns is twofold: not only does shipping items back and forth increase carbon emissions, but many returned items do not end up back on shelves. Instead, they are often discarded, sent to landfills, or incinerated due to the costliness of restocking.
So, how can we combat this cycle of waste and inefficiency? One solution lies in digital measurement technology, a transformative force reshaping how fashion brands approach sizing and fit. Companies like Size Stream are leading this shift with innovative solutions like Formcut, a digital body measurement platform designed to simplify sizing for both brands and consumers. But how can body scanning right size your wardrobe and save the environment from fast fashion? Let’s find out.
Formcut harnesses 3D body scanning technology to capture a person's precise measurements in seconds. By using a smartphone or a simple scanning setup, users can generate hundreds of body measurements, eliminating the guesswork that often plagues online shopping. For brands, this means they can offer tailored size recommendations based on real data, not outdated size charts or vague estimates. The result? Fewer ill-fitting garments, fewer returns, and a smaller carbon footprint.
But the impact goes beyond simply reducing returns. Digital measurement opens the door to custom clothing, an emerging trend that prioritizes quality over quantity. Rather than producing garments en masse in a limited range of sizes, brands can use Formcut's data to create made-to-measure pieces. This approach not only enhances the customer experience by ensuring a perfect fit but also cuts down on overproduction — a key driver of fashion waste. When clothes are made to order, brands produce only what is needed, dramatically reducing excess inventory and the likelihood of unsold items ending up in landfills.
Thoughtful shopping also plays a crucial role in tackling disposable fashion's environmental impact. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to make mindful purchasing decisions — buying less, but better. Digital measurement tools empower shoppers to be more intentional with their choices, giving them the confidence that the items they order will fit properly and last longer. This shift away from impulse-driven, poorly informed purchases encourages a more sustainable shopping culture rooted in longevity and quality.
Technology is not a silver bullet, but it is an essential piece of the puzzle. By leveraging digital measurement solutions like Formcut, brands can build a more sustainable fashion ecosystem — one that minimizes waste, reduces carbon emissions, and fosters a thoughtful approach to clothing production and consumption. Consumers, in turn, are equipped with the tools they need to shop smarter, investing in pieces that truly suit them rather than contributing to the relentless churn of fast fashion.
Ultimately, the fight against disposable fashion requires a joint effort from both industry leaders and conscious shoppers. Digital measurement technology is helping bridge the gap between sustainability and style, proving that innovation can drive meaningful change. As we continue to embrace these advancements, we move one step closer to a fashion future that protects the planet without compromising on fit, function, or fashion.
Interested in bringing scanning technology into your apparel business? Reach out to the Formcut team today to discover how our solution can move your business forward.