India Is Getting Its Own Clothing Size Chart — Thanks to NIFT!
Have you ever ordered a “Medium” from one brand and found it fits like a “Small”
from another? Or bought a “Large” t-shirt that feels completely different from
what you expected? Well, that confusion might soon end — because the National
Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is creating India’s very
first standard
clothing size chart!
This initiative is a big step forward for the Indian fashion industry, and it’s
all about making clothes that actually fit the Indian body type. In this
article, let’s break down what this project is, why it matters, and how it could
completely change how we shop for clothes.
What Is the India Size Chart Project?
The India Size Project is a major national initiative launched by NIFT under the
guidance of the Ministry of Textiles. The goal is to develop a standardized
sizing system that truly represents Indian body shapes and measurements —
something that’s never been done before!
Most clothing brands in India currently follow UK, US, or European size
charts,
which don’t always match the proportions of Indian customers. For example, two
people might both wear a “Medium,” but their fits differ because Western sizes
are based on completely different body data. This project aims to fix that by
collecting real body measurements from thousands of Indian men and
women —
across age groups, regions, and demographics — and using that data to create a
size chart that’s uniquely Indian.
Why Does India Need Its Own Size Chart?
Here’s the thing — India is one of the largest fashion markets in the
world, yet
we’ve never had our own standard sizing system. Our body proportions differ
significantly from Western countries — shorter torsos, different shoulder
widths, varying waist-to-hip ratios — and this means international sizing often
feels off.
That’s why brands often face high return rates in online shopping. Customers buy
something, it doesn’t fit as expected, and they send it back. A national size
chart could change that. Here’s how: it’ll help brands make clothes that fit
Indian body shapes more accurately, help shoppers choose their size more easily,
reduce returns, and create more inclusivity by reflecting the diversity of
Indian bodies — not just one “ideal” type.
It’s a win-win for everyone — the consumer, the brand, and even the environment,
because fewer returns mean less shipping and waste.
How Is NIFT Conducting the Study?
The study is being led by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles. NIFT is using 3D full-body scanners to collect data from volunteers between the ages of 15 to 65 years. Each scanning session takes about 15 minutes, capturing detailed measurements without any physical contact.
Where Is This Happening?
The scanning centers are being set up in major cities across India, including
New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Shillong. This ensures
that people from different regions and ethnic backgrounds are represented —
because, as we know, India’s diversity is massive!
In later phases, the survey will even expand to include children’s
clothing and
footwear.
What Happens After the Data Is Collected?
Once the body measurements are collected, NIFT’s team will analyze them to
identify common body shapes and proportions. From there, they’ll create a
comprehensive Indian size chart — with standard measurements for men and women
across all major clothing categories (like tops, bottoms, dresses, and jackets).
The final chart will be shared with the apparel industry — from small-scale
designers to large retail brands and e-commerce companies. All the data will be
owned by the Ministry of Textiles, ensuring transparency and reliability. The
plan is to update this chart every 10 years to reflect changes in body trends
and population health over time.
Impact on the Indian Fashion Industry
The impact of this project will be huge. Designers and manufacturers will have
access to reliable data-driven size guides, meaning fewer fitting trials,
reduced fabric waste, and more efficient production cycles. Online shopping will
become easier because e-commerce brands like Myntra, Ajio, and Amazon Fashion
will be able to show size recommendations based on the new Indian chart,
reducing the guesswork and returns.
It will also give a boost to small Indian fashion startups, which will finally
have access to accurate size data, helping them compete with global brands more
effectively. And, of course, it gives Indian fashion global recognition — with a
standard size chart, Indian fashion can present itself globally with consistency
and precision, making “Made in India” designs even more appealing worldwide.
Also Read:How to Crack NIFT and NID without coaching ?
When Will the Indian Size Chart Be Ready?
The scanning phase is already underway, and the data analysis is expected to take several months. Once complete, the finalized chart will be released and made available to clothing manufacturers and designers across the country. While it’s a long-term project, the first results are expected to make a visible difference in the coming years — especially in new fashion collections and online shopping platforms.
Why This Project Matters for Students and Designers
If you’re a student dreaming of a fashion career — this initiative is something
to watch closely. It’s not just about sizes; it’s about understanding the human
body, solving real design challenges, and making fashion more inclusive.
At Mad School, we encourage our NIFT aspirants to keep up with
projects like
this because they show how fashion design is not just art — it’s science,
technology, and empathy combined. As a future designer, you could be someone who
uses this data to create better clothing, improve patterns, or even build your
own fashion brand that celebrates real Indian bodies.
Mad School’s Take on It
At Mad School, we believe that design is about solving problems creatively. The
India Size Chart initiative is one of the best examples of this — it uses data,
design, and technology to make everyday life better for millions of people.
Our students preparing for NIFT exams often discuss such projects in their
interviews and portfolios, showing that they understand how design impacts
society. That’s why Mad School’s coaching approach goes beyond entrance exams —
we focus on building awareness, curiosity, and a sense of real-world relevance
in every design aspirant.
A Step Towards Inclusive Fashion
What makes this project truly special is how it celebrates India’s diversity.
For decades, global brands have followed Western sizing systems that don’t
reflect our variety of shapes and forms. But now, with NIFT’s initiative, we’re
taking control of how Indian fashion fits Indian people.
This project is a reminder that design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about
comfort, identity, and representation.
Final Thoughts
India’s first standard size chart is not just a fashion project — it’s a
cultural shift. It’s about saying, “We’re different, and that’s something to
design for — not to fit into someone else’s mold.”
From better-fitting clothes to confident consumers, this initiative has the
potential to change how we shop, wear, and think about fashion in India. And for
students and designers, it’s an exciting reminder that the future of fashion
lies at the intersection of creativity, data, and inclusivity.
At Mad School, we’re always proud to see how NIFT continues to
innovate and
inspire. And who knows — the next big project like this could be led by you!
If you’re passionate about fashion and dream of studying at NIFT, Mad School can
help you prepare, practice, and get there confidently. Our NIFT coaching
classes
focus on creativity, mock tests, portfolio guidance, and interview prep —
everything you need to build your dream design career.
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Source: Official NIFT website — nift.ac.in
