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]