Saturday, Jul 23, 2016

For the generations of men that have had to endure long, often arduous, visits to the neighbourhood tailor, technology’s come to the rescue. 3D tailoring, which does away with the traditional — sometimes awkward — process of getting measured by a tailor, has just been introduced in the UAE by The Custom Shop in Dubai.

Using a technology developed by US company Styku, which harnessed the motion camera used in Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect, the machine uses high-end sensors and extracts hundreds of measurements that can be accurately used to make shirts, suits and dresses. It also saves you time and money.

Aftab Akbar, one of the few specialists in the Middle East trained to operate the machine, says the service has been a massive hit with the UAE’s tech-savvy and time-poor customers. He admits, however, that it is a bit of a challenge for some to initially wrap their heads around the concept.

Once you walk in for your appointment, you are provided a bodysuit to put on, or you can strip down to your boxers or briefs, so the scanner can read your dimensions correctly. You then stand on a turntable that goes for a 360-degree rotation and you’re done in 40 seconds. After that, depending on the time you spend selecting the fabrics for your shirt or suit or trouser, you could be out of the shop in 15 or 20 minutes. “It’s 75 per cent more accurate than manual measurement,” says Akbar, a senior stylist at The Custom Shop. “Because of that, we have the luxury of having just one fitting. And that fitting is only for your peace of mind … for you to make sure it’s according to your specifications.”

It then takes 12 days for your shirt or suit to be completed, depending on your specifications. The Custom Shop also delivers for an extra charge.

Akbar says his company has tried to make the service as affordable as possible, and a two-piece 3D-tailored suit starts at Dh1,600 and shirts start at Dh275.

“No two people are the same, that’s why there’s nothing better than wearing suits and shirts that are stitched to your size and customised to your liking,” he says.

The service is currently only available at The Custom Shop’s outlet at The Beach Centre on Jumeirah Beach Road. Prior appointments are necessary. Call 04-3445637.

By David Tusing Deputy tabloid! Editor

Gulf News 2016. All rights reserved.