Lingerie independent The Pantry Underwear is enlisting AI to enhance its free online bra fitting service.
The indie group, which operates physical shops in Islington, Saffron Walden and Cambridge, says the service replicates its in-store fitting experience with the help of AI-powered 3D scanning technology.
Shoppers book an online fitting slot and are then required to complete two body scans on their smartphone ahead of the appointment. The scans record multiple measurements without the need for undressing, which are digitally mapped into a 3D model for the retailer’s fitting experts to review.
Each customer is then offered an online appointment with one of its team members, who will curate personalised recommendations based on their size and requirements. There is no obligation to buy, and each booking is followed up with a link to their unique product and size list.
The Pantry Underwear first added free online bra fittings as a ‘short-term solution’ during the pandemic, but the service has since become a core part of its offering.
Founder Eloise Rigby, who first started the business in September 2016, says her aim is to “banish the dread” of bra fitting and make the experience more convenient and accessible for every customer: “Our improved online fitting service has been designed to replicate our coveted in-store experience – from measurement approach, to fit education and navigating the plethora of options available to find what works best for the wearer,” she says. “We’re excited that the days of ‘making do’ could be over – especially as a well-fitted bra can make the world of difference to posture, shape and of course, confidence.”