During the 1980s, M&S worked with technology company Instrumental Colour Systems (ICS). Together they developed a computer program that could measure and record the precise amount of dye needed to get the right colour for each different type of fabric. This made it possible to sell men’s suits as separate jackets and trousers – in different sizes –and the colours would still match!
St Michael News April 1981
You can download a typed text version of the article from the Resources section, along with the M&S Fashion Timeline information sheet.