I Burned $160k Trying to Solve "Online Tailoring"
20 days ago
- #startup-lessons
- #bespoke-tailoring
- #fashion-tech
- Founded a fashion-tech startup in 2023 with the vision of 'Phygital Tailoring' to deliver perfect-fit bespoke suits remotely.
- Initially believed high-resolution 3D scanning could replace traditional tailors but realized 'Fit' is a physics and logic problem, not just math.
- Identified four key engineering bottlenecks: device orientation errors, misunderstanding garment measurements, poor 3D rendering quality, and user style mismatches.
- Developed solutions: normalization algorithms for scan correction, a 'Human Logic Filter' for garment measurements, hyper-realistic fabric rendering, and a 'Style Match' algorithm.
- Pivoted to a 'Phygital' model combining 3D data, camera correction, and master tailor logic after initial failures and financial struggles.
- Key takeaways: distrust raw user input, focus on interpreting data over collecting it, and prioritize high-quality visualizations to build trust.
- Invited discussion on bridging 'Digital Accuracy' and 'Real-world Physics' for physical product builders.