US Standard Clothing Size
Transcript of US Standard Clothing Size
US standard clothing sizehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_standard_clothing_size
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
US standard clothing sizes were originally developed from statistical data in the 1940s-1950s. At
that time, they were similar in concept to the EN 13402 European clothing size standard, although
individual manufacturers have always deviated from them, sometimes significantly.
However, as a result of various cultural pressures, most notably vanity sizing, North American
clothing sizes have drifted substantially away from this standard over time, and now have very little
connection to it. Instead, they now follow the more loosely defined standards known as US catalog
sizes.
Body measurements below are given in inches.
Contents
[hide]
• 1 History
• 2 Women's sizes
o 2.1 Overview
o 2.2 Details
• 3 Men's sizes
• 4 Girls' sizes
• 5 Boys' sizes
• 6 Children's sizes
• 7 Baby sizes
• 8 Conversion from catalog sizes
• 9 See also
• 10 References
History[edit source | edit beta ]
Men's standard sizes were probably developed first during the American Revolutionary War, and
they were in regular use by the American army during the War of 1812 for ready-made uniforms
(Felsenthal 2012). These were based on the chest measurement, with other measurements being
assumed to be either proportional (the circumference of the neck, waist, hips, and thighs) or easily
altered (length of the inseam) (Felsenthal 2012).
As this was largely successful in men, the same approach was attempted in the early 20th century
for women using the bust as the sole measurement (Felsenthal 2012). However, this proved
unsuccessful because women's bodies have far more variety in shape. The hourglass figure is
frequently used as an industry standard, but only 8% of women have this body shape (Felsenthal
2012). A woman with an hourglass figure and a woman with an apple-shaped figure who have the
same bust size will not have the same waist or hip sizes.
This was a significant problem for mail-order companies, and several attempts at predictable,
standard sizing were made (Felsenthal 2012). In the 1940s, the statisticians Ruth O'Brien and
William Shelton received a Works Progress Administration a grant to conduct the most ambitious
effort to solve this problem. Their team measured almost 15,000 women across the US. After
discovering the complex diversity of women's actual sizes, which produced five to seven different
body shapes, they proposed a three-part sizing system. Each size would be the combination of a
single number, representing an upper body measurement, plus an indicator for height (short, regular,
and long) and an indication for girth (slim, regular, and stout). The various combinations of height and
girth resulted in nine different sizes for each numerical upper-body measurement, which was highly
impractical for manufacturing (Felsenthal 2012).
As a result, O'Brien and Shelton's work was rejected. In 1958, the National Bureau of
Standards invented a new sizing system, based on the hourglass figure and using only the bust size
to create an arbitrary standard of sizes ranging from 8 to 38, with an indication for height (short,
regular, and tall) and lower-body girth (plus or minus). The standard was not widely popular, and was
declared voluntary in 1970 and withdrawn entirely in 1983. In 1995, ASTM International, published its
own voluntary standard, which has been revised since then (Felsenthal 2012). It has not been widely
adopted.
Women's sizes[edit source | edit beta ]
Women’s sizes are divided into various types, depending on height. These charts give an indication
of size only and are by no means exact as they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer - sometimes
by a full inch up and down.
Overview[edit source | edit beta ]
There are multiple size types, designed to fit somewhat different body shapes. Variations include the
height of the person's torso (known as back length), whether the bust, waist, and hips are straighter
(characteristic of teenagers) or curvier (like many adult women), and whether the bust is higher or
lower (characteristic of younger and older women, respectively). These categories include:
Misses sizes
The most common size category. For women of about average height (5'4") with an average
bust height and an hourglass figure. Dress sizes may be given as girth at the bust in inches
(e.g., 36), but even-numbered sizes from 2 to 16 are more common. Categorical sizes range
from XS (extra-small) to XL (extra-large).
Junior sizes
For short women with higher busts and fairly straight bodies. Junior sizes are commonly
given as odd-numbered sizes from 1 to 15, which correspond to the next number up in
misses' sizes.
Women's sizes or plus sizes
For larger, curvier women of average height, sometimes with lower bust lines. Like misses'
sizes, the sizes may be given as a dress size based on the bust measurement, but they are
usually given as even-numbered sizes from 18 up. Categorical sizes usually range from 1X
(similar to extra-large, but with slightly different proportions compared to the misses' size)
up.
Misses petite
For short women with average busts and more hourglass body shapes. Sizes follow the
misses' standard and are marked with a P, as in 10P.
Junior petite
For very short women with average busts and fairly straight bodies. Size may be denoted as
"5JP" or as "5P".
Women's petite
For larger, curvier, shorter women, sometimes with lower bust lines. Sizes are marked the
same as women's with a P, as in 20P.
Young junior
For short women with high busts and fairly straight bodies.
Tall sizes
For taller women (usually 5'8" or above), usually with a proportionately average bust height
and an hourglass figure. Sizes are usually written with the corresponding misses' size and a
T to indicate tall, as in "10T".
Half sizes
For short women with lower busts and more hourglass body shapes. Sizes are written with a
½, as in "10½".
Details[edit source | edit beta ]
Misses’ sizes
5'5"–5'9" (165–175 cm) tall, average bust, average back
Dimension/size 6-8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
Bust 32-34 34 34 35 36 37½ 39 40½
Waist 22-24½ 25½ 26½ 27½ 28½ 30 31½ 33
Hip 33-35½ 36½ 37½ 38½ 39½ 41 42½ 44
Back-waist length 14½ 14¾ 15½ 15¾ 16 16¼ 16½ 16¾
Miss petite sizes
5'1"–5'3" (157.5–160 cm) tall, average bust, shorter back
Dimension/size 6-8mp 10mp 12mp 14mp 16mp 18mp 20mp 22mp
Bust 32-34 34 34 35 36 37½ 39 40½
Waist 21-23½ 24½ 25½ 26½ 27½ 29 30½ 32
Hip 34-35½ 36½ 37½ 38½ 39½ 41 42½ 44
Back-waist length 14 14½ 14½ 14¾ 15 15¼ 15½ 15¾
Junior sizes
5'4"–5'5" (162.5–165 cm) tall, higher bust, shorter back
Dimension/size 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21
Bust 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
Waist 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Hips 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Back-waist length 13.75 14 14.25 14.5 14.75 15 15.25 15.5 15.75
Junior petite sizes
5'1" (155 cm) tall, average bust, shorter back
Dimension/size 3jp 5jp 7jp 9jp 11jp 13jp
Bust 30.5 31 32 33 34 35
Waist 22.5 23 24 25 26 27
Hip 31.5 32 33 34 35 36
Back-waist length 14 14.25 14.5 14.75 15 15.25
Young junior sizes
5'1"–5'3" (155–160 cm) tall, higher bust, shorter back
Dimension/size 5/6 7/8 9/10 11/12 13/14 15/16
Bust 28 29 30.5 32 33.5 35
Waist 22 23 24 25 26 27
Hip 31 32 33.5 35 36.5 38
Back-waist length 13.5 14 14.5 15 15.5 16
Women’s sizes
5'5"–5'6" (165–168 cm) tall, average bust, average back
Dimension/size 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50
Bust 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54
Waist 30 32 34 35.5 37.5 39.5 41.5 43.5 45.5
Hip 39 41 43 46 48 50 52 54 56
Back-waist length 17¼ 17⅜ 17½ 17⅝ 17¾ 17⅞ 18
Half-sizes
5'2"–5'3" (157.5–160 cm) tall, lower bust, shorter back
Dimension/size 10½ 12½ 14½ 16½ 18½ 20½ 22½ 24½
Bust 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47
Waist 27 29 31 33 35 37½ 40 42½
Hip 35 37 39 41 43 45½ 48 50½
Back-waist length 15 15¼ 15½ 15¾ 15⅞ 16 16⅛ 16¼
Men's sizes[edit source | edit beta ]
Men’s sizes
Dimension/size
38 40 42 44
Chest 34 36 38 41 42 44 46 48
Waist 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
Seat/Hips 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47
Shirt sleeve 32 33 33 34 34 35 35 36
Inseam 30 31 32 32 34 34 34 36
Girls' sizes[edit source | edit beta ]
Girls' sizes
Dimension/size 7 8 10 12 14 16
Chest 25.5 26 28 30 32
Waist 22.5 23 24 25 26
Hip 26.5 27 29 31 33
Height 52 54 57 60 64
Boys' sizes[edit source | edit beta ]
Boys' sizes
Dimension/size 7 8 10 12 14 18 20 22
Chest 26 27 28 30 32 33½ 35 40
Waist 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Hip 27 28 29½ 31 32½ 34 35½ 37
Neckband 11¾ 12 12½ 13 13½ 14 14½ 15
Height 48 50 54 58 61 64 66 68
Children's sizes[edit source | edit beta ]
Children's sizes
Dimension/size 1 2 3 4 5 6 6X
Chest 18.5 20 20.5 21.5 22 23
Waist 17 18.5 19 20 20.5 21 21.5
Hip 19 20 21 22 23 24 24½
Height 31 34 37 40 43 46 48
Back-waist length 8¼ 8½ 9 9½ 10 10½ 10¾
Finished dress length 17 18 19 20 22 24 25
Baby sizes[edit source | edit beta ]
Infant sizes
Dimension/size NB 0-3 mo 3-6 mo 6-9 mo 9-12 mo 18 mo 24 mo
Weight 5–8 lb 8–12½ lb 12½–16½ lb 16½-20½ 20½–24½ lb 24½–27½ lb 27½–30 lb
Height less than 21½ in 21½–24 in 24–26½ in 26½–28½ in 28½–30½ in 30½–32½ in 32½–34 in.
Toddlers' sizes
Dimension/size 1/2 1 2 3 4
Chest 18.5 19 19.5 20 20.5
Waist 17 17.5 18 19.5 20
Height 28 31 34 37 40
Finished dress length 14 15 16 17 18
Conversion from catalog sizes[edit source | edit beta ]
Companies who publish catalogs may provide the
measurements for their sizes, which may vary even among
different styles of the same type of garment. The sizes seen
in catalogs generally have roughly the following
measurements:
Catalog misses' sizes: 5'5"-5'6" (165–168 cm) tall, average bust, average back
Dimension/size 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Closest standard size
10 12 14 16 18 20 22
Est. height5'4" (162.5 cm)
5'4" (162.5 cm)
5'4.5" (164 cm)
5'5" (165 cm)
5'4" (162.5 cm)
5'6.5" (169 cm)
5'6" (168 cm)
5'6" (168 cm)
5'6.5" (169 cm)
Est. weight lb (kg)
115 (52) 125 (57) 135 (61) 145 (66) 155 (70) 165 (75) 175 (79) 180 (81.5) 195 (88.5)
Bust 34 35 36 37 38.5 40 41.5 43 44.5
Waist 25 26 27 28 29.5 31 32.5 34 35.5
Hip 35.5 36.5 37.5 38.5 40 41.5 43 44.5 46
Catalog women's petite (half-sizes): 5'1/2"-5'4" (153-162.5 cm) tall, lower bust, shorter back
Dimension/size 18W 20W 22W 24W 26W
Closest standard size
12½ 14½ 16½ 18½ 20½ 22½ 24½ 26½ 28½
Est. height5' 1/2" (153 cm)
5'1" (155 cm)
5'1.5" (156 cm)
5'2" (157.5 cm)
5'2.5" (159 cm)
5'3" (160 cm)
5'3" (160 cm)
5'3.5" (161 cm)
5'4" (162.5 cm)
Est. weight lb (kg)
125 (57) 140 (63.5) 155 (70) 170 (77) 180 (81.5) 190 (86) 215 (97.5) 225 (102) 235 (106.5)
Bust 36 38 40 42 43.5 45.5 47.5 49.5 51.5
Waist 28 30 32 34 35 37 39 41 43
Hip 38 40 42 44 45.5 47.5 49.5 52 53.5
Catalog women's sizes: 5'5"-5'6.5" (165–169 cm) tall, average bust, average back
Dimension/size
Closest standard size
34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50
Est. height5'5" (165 cm)
5'5.5" (166 cm)
5'6" (168 cm)
5'6" (168 cm)
5'6.5" (169 cm)
5'6.5" (169 cm)
5'6.5" (169 cm)
5'6.5" (169 cm)
5'6.5" (169 cm)
Est. weight lb (kg)
145 (66) 160 (72.5) 175 (79) 190 (86) 205 (93) 220 (100)235 (106.5)
250 (113) 265 (120)
Bust 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54
Waist 30 32 34 35.5 37.5 39.5 41.5 43.5 45.5
Hip 39 41 43 46 48 50 52 54 56
With the average American woman's height (20 years and
older) at about 63.8" or approximately 5'4" (162.1 cm)
(Department of Health 2012), both standard and catalog
size ranges attempt to address a variety of weights / builds
as well as providing for the "shorter-than-average" height
woman with "petite" and "half-sizes". However "taller-than-
average" women may find their size-height addressed by
manufacturers less frequently, and may often find
themselves facing issues of slightly too short pant legs and
sleeve cuffs, as well as waist lengths.
Clothing sizeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothing_sizes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In clothing, clothing size refers to the label sizes used for garments sold off-the-shelf. There are a
large number of standard sizing systems around the world for various garments, such as dresses,
tops, skirts, and trousers. Made-to-order garments require measurements to be taken, but these do
not need to be converted into national standard form.
Contents
[hide]
• 1 History of standard clothing sizes
• 2 Types of measurements in standard sizes
• 3 Standards
• 4 Men
• 5 Women
• 6 See also
• 7 References
History of standard clothing sizes[edit source | edit beta ]
Before the invention of clothing sizes in the early 1800s, all clothing was made to fit individuals by
either tailors or makers of clothing in homes. Then garment makers noticed that the range of human
body dimensions was relatively small. Therefore sizes were invented as a crucial, and
underappreciated, step in the mass production of garments.[1]
Types of measurements in standard sizes[edit source | edit beta ]
Standard sizes take into account the combinations of body measurements of the general population:
• Horizontal torso measurements include the neck circumference, the shoulder width,
the bustline measurements – over-bust circumference, the full bust circumference, the bust-point
separation, and the under-bust (rib-cage) circumference – the natural waist circumference, the
upper hip circumference and the lower hip circumference.
• Vertical torso measurements include the back (neck-waist) length, the shoulder-waist
length (not the same as the back length, due to the slope of the shoulder), the bust-shoulder
length, the bust-waist length, and the two hip-waist lengths.
• Sleeve measurements include the under-arm and over-arm lengths, the fore-arm length,
the wrist circumference and the biceps circumference.
However, because of the drape and ease of the fabric, not all measurements are required to obtain a
well-fitting dress in most styles.
Standards[edit source | edit beta ]
There are several ISO standards related to Size designation of clothes:
• ISO 3635 :1981 Size designation of clothes – Definitions and body measurement procedure
• ISO 4416 :1981 Size designation of clothes – Women's and girls' underwear, nightwear,
foundation garments and shirts
• ISO 5971 :1981 Size designation of clothes – Pantyhose
• ISO 8559 :1989 Garment construction and anthropometric surveys – Body dimensions
• ISO/TR 10652 :1991 Standard sizing systems for clothes
The European Union has produced a standard EN 13402 intended to replace existing standards in
the member countries. It is currently in common use for childrens clothing, but not yet for adults.
The United Kingdom has an existing standard for women's clothing BS 3666:1982, however this is
rarely followed by manufacturers as it defines sizes in terms of hip and bust measurements only
within a limited range.[2] This has resulted in variations between manufacturers and a tendency
towards vanity sizing.[3]
The standard sizes have not had stable names, however. For example, the dimensions of two size
10 dresses from different companies, or even from the same company, may have grossly different
dimensions; and both are almost certainly larger than the size 10 dimensions described in the US
standard. Vanity sizing may be partly responsible for this deviation (which began in earnest in the
1980s).
The new European standard EN 13402 seeks to address this problem, since it is an absolute scale
and mandatory; there is no mandatory clothing size standard in the U.S. In the US there exists a US
standard clothing size. External websites exist to aid conversion between the different systems.[4]
Men[edit source | edit beta ]
Men's shirts
UK & other EU / Japan 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46
UK / US / AUS 14 14½ 15 15½ 15¾ 16¼ 16½ 17 17½ 18 18½
Japan[5] S S M M L L LL,XL LL,XL LL,XL
Korea[5] 90 95 100 105 110
Men's sports shirts, T-shirts
EU 36 37/38 39/40 41/42 43/44 45/46
UK / US XS S M L XL XXL
94cm 110 118cm 124cm 1
Men's sweaters, jackets
EU 38/40 42/44 46/48 50/52 52/54
UK / US S M L XL XXL
Men's suits, overcoats
EU 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64
UK / US 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54
Men's jeans, slacks, pants, trousers: Waist
EU 64/68 68/72 72/76 76/80 80/84 84/88 88/92 92/96 96/100 100/104 104/108 108/112 112/116
Italy 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55
UK / US 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 38 40 42 44
Men's jeans, slacks, pants, trousers: Length
EU 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48
UK / US 25/26 27/28 29/30 31 32 33 34 36
Men's underwear
EU 1 2 3 4 5
UK / US S M L XL XXL
Women[edit source | edit beta ]
Women's dresses and suits
United States 00 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
UK 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
France 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56
Italy 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60
Women's clothing sizes
UK 8 10 12 14 16
USA 2 4 6 8 10
Continental 34 38 40 42 44
Japanese 7 9 11 13 15
Bust 32" 34" 36" 38" 40"
81cm 86cm 91cm 97cm 102cm
Waist 24" 27" 29" 31" 33"
61cm 66cm 71cm 76cm 81cm
Hip 35" 37" 39" 41" 43"
89cm 94cm 99cm 104cm 109cm
Women’s blouses and sweaters
EU 40 42 44 46 48 50
UK 34 36 38 40 42 44
US 32 34 36 38 40 42
Children’s junior misses dresses and coats
EU 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
UK 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17
US 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15
EN 13402http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EN_13402
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clothes-size label with EN 13402-1 pictogram and body dimensions in centimetres (found on a high-visibilityjacket sold in the United Kingdom).
EN 13402 is a European standard for labelling clothes sizes. It is based on body dimensions,
measured in centimetres. It replaces many older national dress-size systems in popular use before
the year 2007. Acceptance of this form of standardisation varies from country to country. For
example, the Spanish Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs has commissioned a study[1] to
categorise female body types with a view to harmonising Spanish clothing sizes with EN-13402. Few
other countries are known to have followed suit.
Background[edit source | edit beta ]
There are three approaches for size-labelling of clothes:
body dimensions
The product label states for which range of body dimensions the product was designed. (Example: bike helmet labelled "head girth: 56–60 cm", shoe labelled "foot length: 28
cm")
product dimensions
The label states characteristic measures of the product. (Example: jeans labelled with their inner-leg length in centimetres or inches: i.e., not the inner leg length of the intended
wearer)
ad hoc size
The label provides a size number or code with no obvious relationship to any measurement. (Example: Size 12, XL)
Traditionally, clothes have been labelled using many different ad hoc size systems. This approach has led to a number of problems:
• Country-specific or even vendor-specific labels create additional costs.
• Ad hoc sizes have changed with time due to changing demographics and increasing rates of obesity. This is often portrayed in media as vanity
sizing.
• Mail-order purchasing requires accurate methods for predicting the best-fitting size.
• For many types of garments, size cannot be described adequately by just a single number, because two independent body dimensions have to
match for a good fit, sometimes even three. (This is a problem in sizing jeans.)
• Scalar ad hoc sizes based on 1950s anthropometric studies are no longer adequate, as changes in nutrition and life styles have shifted the
distribution of body dimensions.
Therefore, the European standards committee CEN/TC 248/WG 10 started in 1996 the process of designing a new modern system of labelling clothes sizes, resulting
in the standard EN 13402 "Size designation of clothes".
It is based on
• body-dimensions
• the metric system (SI)
• data from new anthropometric studies of the European population performed in the late 1990s
• similar existing international standards (ISO 3635, etc.)
• EN 13402-1: Terms, definitions and body measurement procedure[edit source | edit beta ]
•
•
• EN 13402-1 pictogram example
• The first part of the standard defines the list of body dimensions to be used for designating clothes sizes, together with an anatomical explanation and measurement guidelines.
All body dimensions are measured, preferably without or as few as possible clothes, in centimetres, except for the body mass.
• The standard also defines a pictogram that can be used in language-neutral labels to indicate one or several of the following body dimensions.
• head girth
• maximum horizontal girth (circumference) of the head measured above the ears
• neck girth
• girth of the neck measured with the tape measure passed 2 cm below the Adam's apple and at the level of the 7th cervical vertebra
• chest girth
• maximum horizontal girth measured during normal breathing with the subject standing erect and the tape-measure passed over the shoulder blades (scapulae), under
the armpits (axillae), and across the chest
• bust girth
• maximum horizontal girth measured during normal breathing with the subject standing erect and the tape-measure passed horizontally, under the armpits (axillae), and across
the bust prominence (preferably measured with moderate tension over a brassiere that shall not deform the breast in an unnatural way and shall not displace its volume)
• underbust girth
• horizontal girth of the body measured just below the breasts
• waist girth
• girth of the natural waistline between the top of the hip bones (iliac crests) and the lower ribs, measured with the subject breathing normally and standing erect with
theabdomen relaxed
• hip girth
• horizontal girth measured round the buttocks at the level of maximum circumference
• height
• vertical distance between the crown of the head and the soles of the feet, measured with the subject standing erect without shoes and with the feet together (for infants not yet
able to stand upright: length of the body measured in a straight line from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet)
• inside leg length
• distance between the crotch and the soles of the feet, measured in a straight vertical line with the subject erect, feet slightly apart, and the weight of the body equally distributed
on both legs
• arm length
• distance, measured using the tape-measure, from the armscye/shoulder line intersection (acromion), over the elbow, to the far end of the prominent wrist bone (ulna), with the
subject's right fist clenched and placed on the hip, and with the arm bent at 90°
• hand girth
• maximum girth measured over the knuckles (metacarpals) of the open right hand, fingers together and thumb excluded
• foot length
• horizontal distance between perpendiculars in contact with the end of the most prominent toe and the most prominent part of the heel, measured with the subject standing
barefoot and the weight of the body equally distributed on both feet
• body mass
• measured with a suitable balance in kilograms
• EN 13402-2: Primary and secondary dimensions[edit source | edit beta ]
• The second part of the standard defines for each type of garment one "primary dimension". This is the body measure according to which the product must be labelled. Where
men’s garments use the chest girth, women’s clothes are designed for a certain bust girth.
• For some types of garment, a single measure may not be sufficient to select the right product. In these cases, one or two "secondary dimensions" can be added to the label.
• The following table shows the primary and secondary dimensions listed in the standard, leaving out the redundant words girth, length and size for better overview. Secondary
dimensions are shown in parentheses.
Garment Men Women Boys Girls
Jackets chest, height, waist bust, height, hip height, chest height, bust
Suits chest, waist, height, inside leg bust, height, hip height, chest height, bust
Garment Men Women Boys Girls
Overcoats chest, height bust, height height, chest height, bust
Trousers/shorts waist, height, inside leg waist, height, hip, inside leg height, waist height, waist
Skirts — waist, height, hip — height, waist
Dresses — bust, height, hip, waist — height, bust
Knits: cardigans, sweaters, T-shirts chest, height bust, height height, chest height, bust
Shirts (m), Blouses (f) neck, height, arm bust, height height, neck height, bust
Underpants waist, height waist, height, hip height, waist height, waist
Vest chest, height bust, height height, chest height, bust
Pyjamas, Ladies' nightdresses chest, height, waist bust, height, waist, hip height, chest height, bust
Swim-suits/wear and bodies waist, height, chest bust, height, hip, underbust height, chest, waist height, underbust, bust
Bras — underbust, bust, cup — underbust, bust, cup
Corsetry/upper and full body — underbust, bust, height, hip, waist — —
Corsetry/lower body — waist, hip, height — —
Pantyhose — height, waist, weight — height
Stockings — foot
Socks foot
Gloves hand
Headwear head
• EN 13402–3: Measurements and intervals
• The third part of the standard defines preferred numbers of primary and secondary body dimensions.
• The product should not be labelled with the average body dimension for which the garment was designed (i.e., not "height: 176 cm."). Instead, the label should show the range
of body dimensions from half the step size below to half the step size above the design size (e.g., "height: 172–180 cm.").
• For heights, for example, the standard recommends generally to use the following design dimensions, with a step size of 8 cm:
Height … 160 168 176 184 192 200 …
Range … 156–164 164–172 172–180 180–188 188–196 196–204 …
• For trousers, the recommended step size for height is 4 cm:
Height … 156 160 164 168 172 176 180 184 188 192 196 200 …
Range … 154–158 158–162 162–166 166–170 170–174 174–178 178–182 182–186 186–190 190–194 194–198 198–202 …
• The standard defines similar tables for other dimensions and garments, only some of which are shown here.
• Men[edit source | edit beta ]• The standard sizes and ranges for chest and waist girth are defined in steps of 4 cm:
Men’s standard sizes for drop = −12 cm
Chest girth 84 88 92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 126 132 138 144
Range 82–86 86–90 90–94 94–98 98–102 102–106 106–110 110–114 114–118 118–123 123–129 129–135 135–141 141–147
Waist girth 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 100 104 108 114 120 126 132
Range 70–74 74–78 78–82 82–86 86–90 90–94 94–98 98–102 102–106 106–111 111–117 117–123 123–129 129–135
• drop = waist girth − chest girth.
• Example: While manufacturers will typically design clothes for chest girth = 100 cm such that it fits waist girth = 88 cm, they may also want to combine that chest girth with
neighbouring waist girth step sizes 84 cm or 92 cm, to cover these drop types (−16 cm and −8 cm) as well.
• The standard also suggests that neck girth can be associated with chest girth:
Association of neck and chest girth
Neck girth 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46.5 48 49.5 51
Range 36.5–37.5 37.5–38.5 38.5–39.5 39.5–40.5 40.5–41.5 41.5–42.5 42.5–43.5 43.5–44.5 44.5–45.8 45.8–47.3 47.3–48.8 48.8–50.3 50.3–51.1
Chest girth 88 92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 126 132 138 144
• The standard further suggests that arm length can be associated with height:
Association of arm length and body height
Height 156 160 164 168 172 176 180 184 188 192 196 200
Arm length 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71
Range 59–60 60–61 61–62 62–63 63–64 64–65 65–66 66–67 67–68 68–69 69–70 70–71
• Women[edit source | edit beta ]
•
•
• EN 13402–1 pictogram example for dress size 88–72–96
• Dress sizes[edit source | edit beta ]
• The standard sizes and ranges for bust, waist and hip girth are mostly based on a step of 4 cm, for larger sizes 5 cm (hip) or 6 cm (bust and waist):
Women’s standard sizes for drop = −16 cm
Bust girth 76 80 84 88 92 96 100 104 110 116 122 128 134 140 146 152
Range 74–78 78–82 82–86 86–90 90–94 94–98 98–102 102–107 107–113 113–119 119–125 125–131 131–137 137–143 143–149 149–155
Waist girth 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 94 100 106 112 118 124 130 136
Range 58–62 62–66 66–70 70–74 74–78 78–82 82–86 86–91 91–97 97–103 103–109 109–115 115–121 121–127 127–133 133–139
Hip girth 84 88 92 96 100 104 108 112 117 122 127 132 137 142 147 152
Range 82–86 86–90 90–94 94–98 98–102 102–106 106–110 110–115 115–120 120–125 125–130 130–135 135–140 140–145 145–150 150–155
• Bra sizes[edit source | edit beta ]
•
•
• EN 13402–1 pictogram for bra size 70B
• See also: Brassiere measurements
• The European standard EN 13402 also defines bra sizes based on the "bust girth" and the "underbust girth". Bras are labeled with the under bust girth (rounded to the nearest
multiple of 5 cm), followed by a letter code that indicates the "cup size" defined below, according to this table defined by the standard.
• The standard sizes for brassiere are based on a step of 5 cm:
Underbust girth 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125
Range 58–62 63–67 68–72 73–77 78–82 83–87 88–92 93–97 98–102 103–107 108–112 113–117 118–122 123–127
• The secondary dimension cup size can be expressed in terms of the difference
• cup size = bust girth − underbust girth
• and can be labelled compactly using a letter code appended to the underbust girth:
Code AA A B C D E F G H
Cup size range 10–12 12–14 14–16 16–18 18–20 20–22 22–24 24–26 26–28
• Example 1
• Bra size 70B is suitable for women with underbust girth 68–72 cm and bust girth from 82–84 cm to 86–88 cm.
• Example 2
• A woman with an underbust girth of 89 cm and a bust girth of 108 cm has cup size 19 cm (= 108 cm – 89 cm) or "D". Her underbust girth rounded to the nearest multiple of
5 cm is 90 cm. Therefore, her bra size according to the standard is 90D.
• Letter codes[edit source | edit beta ]• For clothes where a larger step size is sufficient, the standard also defines a letter code. This code represents the bust girth for women and the chest girth for men. The
standard does not define such a code for children. Each range combines two adjacent size steps. The ranges could be extended below XXS or above 3XL if necessary.
Meaning Code Chest girth (men) Bust girth (women)
extra extra small XXS 70–78 66–74
extra small XS 78–86 74–82
small S 86–94 82–90
medium M 94–102 90–98
large L 102–110 98–107
extra large XL 110–118 107–119
extra extra large XXL 118–129 119–131
extra extra extra large 3XL 129–141 131–143
4XL 141–154 143–155
5XL 154–166 155–167
EN 13402-4: Coding system[edit source | editbeta]The fourth part of the standard is still under review. It will define a compact coding system for clothes sizes. This was originally intended primarily for industry use in databases and as a part of
stock-keeping identifiers and catalogue ordering numbers, but later users have also expressed a desire to use compact codes for customer communication. Writing out all the centimetre figures
of all the primary and secondary measures from EN 13402-2 can – in some cases – require up to 12 digits. The full list of centimetre figures on the pictogram contains a lot of redundancy and
the same information can be squeezed into fewer characters with lookup tables. EN 13402-4 will define such tables.
Dismissed 2005 draft: women's clothes, 3-digit codes
Bust 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 100 104 110 116 122 128 134 140 146 152
Wai
st52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 94 100 106 112 118 124 130 136
Lab
elXXS XS S M L XL XXL 3XL 4XL
Cod
e0__ 1__ 2__ 3__ 4__ 5__ 6__ 7__ 8__
_0_ 68 76 84 92 100 112 122 132 142
_1_ _5_ 72 80 88 96 106 117 127 137 147
_2_ _6_ 76 84 92 100 112 122 132 142 152
_3_ _7_ 80 88 96 106 117 127 137 147 157
_4_ _8_ 84 92 100 112 122 132 142 152 162
_9_ 88 96 106 117 127 137 147 157 167
Height 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180 184 188
Code __0 __1 __2 __3 __4 __5 __6 __7 __8 __9
An earlier draft of this part of the standard attempted to list all in-use combinations of EN 13402-3 measures and assigned a short 2- or 3-digit code to each. Some of the industry
representatives involved in the standardization process considered this approach too restrictive. Others argued that the primary dimension in centimetres should be a prominent part of the
code. Therefore this proposal, originally expected to be adopted in 2005, was rejected.
Dismissed 2006 AEDT proposal: women's clothes
Primary
Bust 76 80 84 88 92 96 100 104 110 116 122 128 134 140 146 152
Waist 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 94 100 106 112 118 124 130 136
Secondary
Code A B C D E F G H I J
Hip-Bust 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Hip-Waist 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52
Height 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180 184 188
Since then, several new proposals have been presented to the CEN working group. One of these, tabled by the European Association of National Organisations of Textile Traders (AEDT),
proposes a 5-character alphanumeric code, consisting of the 3-digit centimetre figure of the primary body dimension, followed by one or two letters that code a secondary dimension, somewhat
like the system already defined for bra sizes.[2] For example, an item designed for 100 cm bust girth, 104 cm hip girth and 176 cm height could bear the compact size code "100BG". This
proposal was agreed upon in 2006, but later disregarded.[3] A paper by Bogusławska-Bączek published in 2010 showed that there were still significant difficulties in identifying clothing sizes.[4]
Parts of this article (those related to part 4 of the standard) are outdated. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (September 2011)
Shoe size comparison[edit source | edit beta ] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe_size
Please note that the following tables indicate theoretical sizes calculated from the standards and information given above. Differences between these tables and makers' tables or other tables
found on the Web are usually due to the following factors:
• The systems are not fully standardised. Differences between shoes from different makers, which are due to different methods of measuring the shoes, different manufacturing
processes, or different allowances[1] are sometimes related to different countries. A “German” size may then differ from a “French” size, although both countries use the Continental
European system.
• Different widths may have the result that for wide feet, a shoe multiple sizes larger (and actually too long) may be required. This may also result in different size indications,
especially if different typical widths are attributed to different sizing systems or countries.
• Some tables for children take future growth into account. The shoe size is then larger than what would correspond to the actual length of the foot.[6]
• An indication in centimetres or inches can mean the length of the foot or the length of the shoe's inner cavity. This relation is not constant but varies due to different amounts of
wiggle room required for different sizes of shoes.
• There are several U.S. systems, which differ substantially for sizes far above or below medium sizes.
Further, some tables available on the Web simply contain errors. For example, the wiggle room or different zero point is not taken into account, or tables based on different U.S. systems
(traditional and athletic) are simply combined although they are incompatible.
Children[edit source | edit beta ]Example: A child's foot that is 185 millimetres (7.3 in) long requires a shoe that is about 15 millimetres (0.59 in) longer. The inner length of 200 millimetres (7.9 in) is EU shoe size 29 or UK size
11.
Adults[edit source | edit beta ]
Shoe sizeFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A recruit of the Afghan National Army is measured for his boot size.
A shoe size is an alphanumerical indication of the fitting size of a shoe for a person. Often it just
consists of a number indicating the length because many shoemakers only provide a standard width
for economic reasons. There are several different shoe-size systems that are used worldwide. These
systems differ in what they measure, what unit of measurement they use, and where the size 0 (or 1)
is positioned. Only a few systems also take the width of the feet into account. Some regions use
different shoe-size systems for different types of shoes (e.g., men's, women's, children's, sport, or
safety shoes).
Deriving the shoe size[edit source | editbeta]
Foot versus shoe and last[edit source | editbeta]The length of a foot is commonly defined as the distance between two parallel lines that are perpendicular to the foot and in contact with the most prominent toe and the most prominent part of
the heel. Foot length is measured with the subject standing barefoot and the weight of the body equally distributed on both feet.
The sizes of the left and right feet are often slightly different. In this case, both feet are measured, and purchasers of mass-produced shoes are advised to purchase a shoe size based upon the
larger foot because, contrary to the reality of foot sizes, most manufacturers do not sell pairs of shoes in non matching sizes.
Each size of shoe is considered suitable for a small interval of foot lengths. The inner cavity of a shoe must typically be 15–20 mm longer than the foot, but this relation varies between different
types of shoes.
There are three characteristic lengths that a shoe-size system can refer to:
• The median length of feet for which a shoe is suitable. For customers, this measure has the advantage of being directly related to their body measures. It applies equally to
any type, form, or material of shoe. However, this measure is less popular with manufacturers,[citation needed] because it requires them to test carefully for each new shoe model, for which
range of foot sizes it is recommendable. It puts on the manufacturer the burden of ensuring that the shoe will fit a foot of a given length.
• The length of the inner cavity of the shoe. This measure has the advantage that it can be measured easily on the finished product. However, it will vary with manufacturing
tolerances and provides the customer only very crude information about the range of foot sizes for which the shoe is suitable.
• The length of the "last", the foot-shaped template over which the shoe is manufactured. This measure is the easiest one for the manufacturer to use, because it identifies only
the tool used to produce the shoe. It makes no promise about manufacturing tolerances or for what size of foot the shoe is actually suitable. It leaves all responsibility and risk of
choosing the correct size with the customer. Further, the last can be measured in several different ways resulting in different measurements.[1]
All these measures differ substantially from one another for the same shoe.
Length[edit source | editbeta]Sizing systems also differ in what units of measurement they use. This also results in different increments between shoe sizes because usually, only "full" or "half" sizes are made.
The following length units are commonly used today to define shoe-size systems:
• The Paris point equates to ⅔ centimeters (6.6 mm or ~0.26 in). Resulting in an increment of ⅔ of a centimeter (1/4 of an inch) in whole sizes, and 1/3 of a centimeter (1/8 of an
inch) between half sizes. This unit is commonly used in Continental Europe.
• The barleycorn is an old English unit that equates to ⅓ inch (8.46 mm). Half sizes are commonly made, resulting in an increment of 1⁄6 inch (4.23 mm). This measure is the
basis for current UK and U.S. shoe sizes, with the largest shoe size taken as twelve inches (a size 12) and then counting backwards in barleycorn units.
• Further, metric measurements in centimetres (cm) or millimetres (mm) are used. The increment is usually 0.5 cm (5 mm or ~0.20 in), which is between the step size of the
Parisian and the English system. It is used with the international Mondopoint system and with the Asian system.
Due to the different units of measurements, converting between different sizing systems results in round-off errors as well as unusual sizes such as "10⅔".
Zero point[edit source | editbeta]The sizing systems also place size 0 (or 1) at different locations:
• If size 0 is placed at a foot's length of 0, the shoe size is directly proportional to the length of the foot in the chosen unit of measurement. Sizes of children's, men's, and
women's shoes, as well as sizes of different types of shoes, can be compared directly. This is used with the Mondopoint and the Asian system.
• However, size 0 can also represent a length of the shoe's inner cavity of 0. The shoe size is then directly proportional to the inner length of the shoe. This is used with systems
that also take the measurement from the shoe. While sizes of children's, men's and women's shoes can be compared directly, this is not necessarily true for different types of shoes
that require a different amount of "wiggle room". This is used with the Continental European system.
• Further, size 0 (or 1) can just be a shoe with a given length, typically the shortest length deemed practical. This can be different for children's, teenagers', men's, and women's
shoes, making it impossible to compare sizes. For example, a women's shoe at size 8 is a different length from a men's shoe at size 8 in the US system, but not the British.
Width[edit source | editbeta]Some systems also include the width of a foot. There are different methods indicating the width:
• The measured width is indicated in millimetres (mm). This is done with the Mondopoint system.
• The measured width is assigned a letter (or combination of letters), which is taken from a table (indexed to length and width) or just assigned on an ad-hoc basis: Examples
include (each starting with the narrowest width):
• A, B, C, D, E, EE, EEE, EEEE, F, G (typical North American system)
• 4A, 3A, 2A, A, B, C, D, E, 2E, 3E, 4E, 5E, 6E (variant North American)
• A, B, C, D, E, F, G (common UK; "medium" is usually F, but varies by manufacturer—makers Edward Green and Crockett & Jones, among others, use E
instead)
• N (narrow), M (medium) or R (regular), W (wide)
The width for which these sizes are suitable can vary significantly between manufacturers. The A-E width indicators used by most US and some UK shoe manufacturers are typically based on
the width of the foot, and common step sizes are 3/16 of an inch.
Common sizing systems[edit source | editbeta]
Mondopoint[edit source | editbeta]The International Standard is ISO 9407:1991, "Shoe sizes—Mondopoint system of sizing and marking",[2] which recommends a shoe-size system known as Mondopoint.
It is based on the mean foot length and width for which the shoe is suitable, measured in millimetres. A shoe size of 280/110 indicates a mean foot length of 280 millimetres (11 in) and width of
110 millimetres (4.3 in).
Because Mondopoint also takes the foot width into account, it allows for better fitting than most other systems. It is, therefore, used by NATO and other military services. Mondopoint is also
used for ski boots.
European standard EN 13402, used also for clothes, recommends instead that shoes be labelled with the interval of foot lengths for which they are suitable, measured in centimetres.
United Kingdom and Ireland[edit source | editbeta]Shoe size in the United Kingdom (British size) is based on the length of the last, measured in barleycorn (1/3 inch) starting from the smallest practical size, which is size zero. It is not formally
standardised.
A child's size zero is equivalent to a hand (4 in, 12 barleycorns or 10.16 cm), and the sizes go up to size 13½ (8½ in, 25.5 barleycorns or 21.59 cm). Thus, the calculation for a child shoe size in
the UK is:
An adult size one is then the next size up (8⅔ in or 22.01 cm) and each size up continues the progression in barleycorns.[3] The calculation for an adult shoe size in the UK is thus:
United States and Canada[edit source | editbeta]In North America, there are different systems that are used concurrently. The size indications are usually similar but not exactly equivalent especially with athletic shoes at
extreme sizes.
Customary[edit source | editbeta]The traditional system is similar to English sizes but start counting at one rather than zero, so equivalent sizes are one greater. This is similar to the way that floors in buildings
are numbered; the British count the ground floor as zero, whereas the Americans count the ground floor as one.
So the calculation for a male shoe size in the USA or Canada is:
Women's sizes are almost always determined with the "common" scale, in which women's sizes are equal to men's sizes plus 1.5 (for example, a men's 10.5 is a
women's 12). In other words:
In the less popular scale, known as the "standard" or "FIA" (Footwear Industries of America) scale, women's sizes are men's sizes plus 1 (so a men's 10.5 is
a women's 11.5).
Children's[edit source | editbeta]Children's sizes are equal to men's sizes plus 12.33. Thus, girls' and boys' sizes do not differ, even though men's and women's do.
Children's shoe stores in the United States and Canada use a sizing scheme which ends at 13, after which it starts at 1 again as adult sizes.
Shoe Size (UK) Inches Centimetres
5 413⁄16 12
6 51⁄8 13
7 51⁄2 14
8 513⁄16 15
9 61⁄8 15.5
10 61⁄2 16.5
11 613⁄16 17.5
12 71⁄8 18
13 71⁄2 19.1
1 713⁄16 20
2 81⁄8 20.6
3 81⁄2 21.5
4 813⁄16 22.4
5 91⁄8 23
6 91⁄2 24
7 913⁄16 25
Brannock Device[edit source | editbeta]
Drawing of a Brannock Device(from U.S. Patent 1,724,244)
A slightly different sizing method is based on the Brannock Device, a measuring instrument invented by Charles F. Brannock in 1925 and
now found in many shoe stores. The formula used by the Brannock device assumes a foot length ⅔ inch (1.7 cm) less than the length of the
last; thus, men's size 1 is equivalent to a foot's length of 7 ⅔ inches.[4] Women's sizes are one size up.
[5]
[
5]
The method also measures the length of the distance of the heel and the widest point of the foot. For that purpose, the
device has another, shorter scale at the side of the foot. If this scale indicates a larger size, it is taken in place of the foot's
length.[6]
For children's sizes, additional wiggle room is added to allow for growth.[6]
The device also measures the width of the foot and assigns it designations of AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E, EE, or EEE. The
widths are 3/16 in apart and differ by shoe length.[4]
Foot Scanner[edit source | editbeta]Some shoe stores use optical devices to precisely measure the length and width of both feet and recommend the
appropriate shoe model and size.
Europe[edit source | editbeta]The Continental European system is used in France, Germany,[7] Italy, Spain,[8] most other continental European
countries, Brazil—which uses the same method but subtracts 2 from the final result—and, commonly, Hong Kong.
In this system, the shoe size is the length of the last, expressed in Paris points, for both sexes and for adults and children
alike. Because a Paris point is ⅔ of a centimetre, the formula is as follows:
To compute the size based on actual foot length, one must first add a length of about 1.5 to 2 cm. For instance,
for a shoe having an internal length 1.5 cm longer than the foot:
Asia[edit source | editbeta]The Asian system is based on metric measurements and standardised as JIS S 5037:1998, CNS 4800, S
1093, or KS M 6681. Foot length and girth are taken into account.[9]
The foot length is indicated in centimetres; an increment of 5 mm is used. This system was also used in
the GDR.
The length is followed by designators for girth (A, B, C, D, E, EE, EEE, EEEE, F, G), which is taken from
a table indexed to girth and length. There are different tables for men's, women's, and children's (less
than 12 years of age) shoes. The tables also include the width as supplemental indications. Not all
designators are used for all genders and in all countries. For example, the largest girth for women in
China is EEEE, whereas in Japan, it is F.
Shoe size comparison[edit source | editbeta]Please note that the following tables indicate theoretical sizes calculated from the standards and
information given above. Differences between these tables and makers' tables or other tables found on
the Web are usually due to the following factors:
• The systems are not fully standardised. Differences between shoes from
different makers, which are due to different methods of measuring the shoes, different
manufacturing processes, or different allowances[1] are sometimes related to different countries.
A “German” size may then differ from a “French” size, although both countries use the
Continental European system.
• Different widths may have the result that for wide feet, a shoe multiple sizes
larger (and actually too long) may be required. This may also result in different size indications,
especially if different typical widths are attributed to different sizing systems or countries.
• Some tables for children take future growth into account. The shoe size is then
larger than what would correspond to the actual length of the foot.[6]
• An indication in centimetres or inches can mean the length of the foot or the
length of the shoe's inner cavity. This relation is not constant but varies due to different amounts
of wiggle room required for different sizes of shoes.
• There are several U.S. systems, which differ substantially for sizes far above or
below medium sizes.
Further, some tables available on the Web simply contain errors. For example, the wiggle room or
different zero point is not taken into account, or tables based on different U.S. systems (traditional and
athletic) are simply combined although they are incompatible.
Children[edit source | editbeta]Example: A child's foot that is 185 millimetres (7.3 in) long requires a shoe that is about 15 millimetres
(0.59 in) longer. The inner length of 200 millimetres (7.9 in) is EU shoe size 29 or UK size 11.
Adults[edit source | editbeta]