Creating a Tailored Bra Shopping Journey: Innovative Strategies for Lingerie Retailers
Aug 8, 2024
The Role of AI in Personalised Bra Fitting
The lingerie industry is facing a significant challenge: up to 80% of bra-wearers are wearing ill-fitting bras, leading to various issues, including scarring, muscle pains, skin irritation, poor breast health, and self-confidence concerns. This problem is further compounded by the fact that 70% of bra purchases were returned or exchanged in 2018, with 90% of these returns being fit-and-size-related.
To address this issue, AI-powered solutions like Brarista are emerging. This innovative software uses non-naked photos and can be calibrated on all cameras to determine the correct bra size and provide product-specific sizing recommendations. By incorporating three-dimensional breast shape and torso dimension data into bra component design, AI can significantly improve fit and breast support.
Using Customer Data to Improve Bra Design and Sizing
By leveraging customer data and AI analytics, lingerie retailers can revolutionise bra design and sizing. The traditional tape measure method for bra fitting is only 30% accurate and does not consider shape or inconsistency of fit across different products. By analysing data from body scans, purchase history, and customer feedback, retailers can identify common fit issues and develop more inclusive size ranges and improved designs that better accommodate diverse body types.
Addressing Common Bra Fit Issues with Technology
With up to 75-100% of bra-wearers worldwide wearing the wrong size, and 70% of women experiencing daily physical discomfort and poor self-confidence due to ill-fitting bras, the need for innovative solutions in the lingerie industry is clear. By leveraging AI, advanced fitting technologies, and personalised shopping experiences, retailers can not only improve customer satisfaction but also address significant health and well-being concerns associated with poorly fitting bras.
AI and technology can play a crucial role in addressing common bra fit issues. With studies showing that more women (53%) find wearing a bra to be very or somewhat uncomfortable compared to those who find it very or somewhat comfortable (45%), there's a clear need for improvement. AI-powered fitting tools can analyse a customer's unique body shape and recommend styles that address specific fit concerns, such as gaping cups, digging straps, or band tightness.
Implement Mood-Based Recommendations
Lingerie isn't just about fit; it's about feeling. Innovative retailers are now incorporating mood-based recommendations into their personalisation strategies. By asking customers to select their current mood or desired feeling (e.g., confident, comfortable, sexy), retailers can suggest bra styles that align with these emotional needs, creating a more holistic shopping experience.
With Brarista AI Fit Chatbot, you can deliver this experience at scale.
Offer Personalised Aftercare Services
Personalisation shouldn't end at the point of purchase. Forward-thinking lingerie retailers are now offering tailored aftercare services. This could include personalised washing instructions based on the specific fabrics in a customer's purchase, or reminders for when it's time to replace a bra based on wear patterns and purchase date. Such attention to detail fosters long-term customer loyalty.
Create Curated Subscription Boxes
For customers who prefer a hands-off approach, consider offering curated subscription boxes. Using data from initial style quizzes and ongoing purchase behaviour, retailers can send personalised selections of bras and lingerie items at regular intervals. This not only provides a steady revenue stream but also allows customers to discover new styles they might not have chosen themselves.
Implement Dynamic Pricing Strategies
While personalisation often focuses on product recommendations, innovative retailers are also personalising pricing. By analysing a customer's purchase history, browsing behaviour, and loyalty status, retailers can offer dynamic discounts or bundle deals tailored to individual shopping patterns. This approach can significantly increase average order value while making customers feel valued.
Develop a Community-Driven Fit Guide
Move beyond generic size charts by creating a community-driven fit guide. Encourage customers to share their measurements, body types, and favourite bra styles. With this data, you can provide new customers with recommendations based on "fit twins" – other customers with similar body types who've found success with specific styles.
Sustainability Considerations in AI-Driven Bra Production
As AI revolutionises bra fitting and design, it's crucial to consider sustainability. AI-driven production methods can help reduce waste by creating more accurate sizing and minimising overproduction. Additionally, by using AI to analyse customer preferences and trends, retailers can make more informed decisions about inventory, potentially reducing the environmental impact of unsold stock.