Size Me Up!

A couple of weeks ago I saw something new to me at the mall--a Me-Ality Size Matching Station. The stand-alone structure had a clear glass enclosure (which slightly resembled a Star Trek transporter) with a door on one side. Next to the door was a shelf holding a computer and monitor. An attendant was by the door inviting people to get scanned, so I decided to take her up on the offer.

I didn't know anything about the Me-Ality system, but according to the information I saw on the company Website, there are three reasons to use it:

• Scan: In about 10 seconds, you can step into our Size Matching Station and be scanned for body measurements, fully clothed!

• Fit: Me-Ality™ matches your exact measurements to clothes that will best fit and flatter your body shape. We make it easy for you to shop!

• Shop: Get a personal Shopping Guide that recommends your best fitting, and best looking, styles for your body.

The first step in the process was to fill out a short registration form (name, email address, and ZIP code). I gave the form to the attendant, who typed everything into the computer. Next, she opened the door and I entered the enclosure. She told me to put my feet on the marks on the floor, lower my arms until my fingers were pointing towards my legs, and stand still while the scanning wand made two revolutions around my body.

After the scanner finished, I exited the booth and walked around to the back of the kiosk, where there was another computer screen. The clerk entered my scan number into the computer, and asked if I'd like a list of pants, jeans, or both. (I chose to get everything.) A minute later I received a printout of recommended pant sizes and styles available at the mall stores. I also found out that if I registered on their Website I could get additional recommendations for other stores.

I have a horrible time finding pants that fit, so I was excited to think that I'd have a list of specific ones that would work with my body. Since I needed a new pair of pants for work, I decided to concentrate on that list. Each of my "Size-Matched Results" came with a colored bar and arrow underneath it. The arrow indicated how well each style should fit; the farther to the right the arrow, the better the fit. I went to the retailer that had the pants that were supposed to be the best-fitting, found the correct style and size of pants, and tried them on. Unfortunately, the scanner must have been having a bad day, because the pants didn't fit well at all. They were OK through the hips, but the waist was WAY too big. Sadly, I put them back on the rack.

The Me-Ality scanner uses radio waves to measure moisture content of skin and gives a fit based on body type. Maybe my skin was too wet, or too dry, or something else was going on. I think I might try going back when I have different clothes on and see if it makes a difference.