Sizing technology specialist, Makip, announces its first UK customer, independent fashion brand, Batch LDN.
Creating made-to-order, luxury casual suits for men and women, sustainability-focused Batch LDN was founded by fashion entrepreneurs Sam Matanle and Julian Osborne in 2022 to provide affordable casual suits, tackle fast fashion and promote sustainable garment production.
Batch’s online shoppers are now benefiting from Makip’s unique technology Unisize, which helps them to ‘try on’ and purchase the most suitable and perfectly fitting suits with confidence on their first attempt.
With UK consumers spending some £54bn annually on fashion and apparel, the industry has become responsible for up to 8% of global carbon emissions. Makip’s technology supports Batch’s online growth ambitions and aligns with its commitment to drive a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.
Sam Matanle, Batch LDN co-founder, said, “Sustainability is the core concept at Batch LDN. When Julian and I looked at just how bad the sustainability credentials in the fashion industry are, we were motivated to create Batch to help ignite change within the fashion industry, an industry which by 2025 will account for 25% of the world’s carbon budget, which is second only to oil!”
“At Batch we exclusively make-to-order. This allows us to only manufacture exactly what we need, cutting out the over-production and waste prevalent in the industry. When you consider that over 60% of the 32 billion garments made every single year end up in landfill, that’s some 650 items a second, it’s clear that the current model doesn’t work,” added Matanle.
“Over the coming year, and beyond, we are looking to increase our online sales. Ensuring people have the confidence to check out online, knowing they have the right fit, is the key. Features like Unisize will play a valuable role in achieving this.
Additionally, we have a 0.3% return rate, and as we expand the business and increase our online customer base, Uniszie will be a key tool in ensuring we keep returns and waste to an absolute minimum,” continued Matanle.
Shingo Tsukamoto, president of Makip said, “UK fashion brands and retailers alike are under increasing pressure to provide the best customer experience, whilst demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. Consumers rightly expect assurances that they can be confident that their newest fashion purchase will fit as expected, whilst minimising any environmental damage.
Being able to provide Batch LDN with Unisize to support its growth plans, as well as underpinning its sustainable ethos is really important to Makip – we’re looking forward to working with Batch LDN and supporting its journey!”
Founded in 2015, Tokyo-based Makip supports over 300 online retail/eCommerce sites and popular fashion brands in Japan including Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Lacoste with its innovative sizing technology. Makip is available in both the UK and the US and recently launched its Unisize for Kids service in both countries.
Tsukamoto continued, “Batch LDN online shoppers are asked basic questions such as age, weight and height to understand the measurements of their body, allowing the technology to accurately map the individual’s body size to the clothing item and display how the garments will fit the shopper’s unique physique.”
Matanle added, “If something fits you really well, you’re far more likely to wear it and continue wearing it. If it doesn’t fit you well, you won’t wear it. So fit should be the primary thought process when it comes to shopping for fashion. People need to feel confident that they’re going to get the right size, and that means that they’re not going to return based on fit reasons – and this is where having an AI fit checker will significantly support our online growth plans.”
“Our innovative Batch model allows you to save money and the planet, at the same time as getting a perfectly fitting suit. We’re looking forward to continuing our journey with Makip, as we rewrite the script on fast fashion, and our culture of overconsumption,” concluded Matanle.
