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Each person who participated in the national sizing survey
was scanned using 3-D body measurement technology.
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National
Survey Could
Change How Clothing Fits
By Jenny Jones
Many clothing manufacturers take liberties
when sizing garments because no sizing regulations exist in the
United States. This “vanity sizing” makes it difficult
to rely on the sizing tag when shopping for a perfect fit. Results
from a national sizing survey could help change the way people
shop for clothing and will give clothing designers a better idea
of the average human shape.
A year ago, more than 10,000 men and women
from 13 cities across the country participated in the SizeUSA
national sizing survey, the first of its kind in more than 60
years. More than 1,000 mid-Missourians visited the University
of Missouri-Columbia campus to participate in the first wave of
the survey.
Each person was scanned using 3-D body measurement
technology created by [TC]2, a technology development and consulting
organization for apparel and soft goods. Researchers used several
variables to gather data, including six age ranges and four ethnic
groups. Karla Simmons, professor of textile
and apparel management and SizeUSA site coordinator for MU,
said some of the findings were surprising.
“Historically, clothing has been designed
for the classic hour-glass shape. However, 64 percent of women
today are pear shaped,” Simmons said. “The SizeUSA
results indicate that designers are actually fitting clothes to
only 6 percent of all women.”
Historically, a size 8 has been considered
the average dress size for women. According to the American
Society for Testing and Materials, this would measure the
average woman at 35-27-35 1/2. However, 69 percent of women scanned
had hips that measured more than 40 inches, indicating the average
dress size to be a 12 or 14.
The survey results have been compiled into
a manual, which Simmons plans to analyze over the next several
months. Simmons said Dillard’s department stores contacted
her for help in explaining the vast amounts of information from
the survey.
“The fact that retailers have a desire
to analyze the SizeUSA data shows a strong interest in manufacturers
wanting to adjust their sizing patterns,” Simmons said.
“Hopefully we’ll see evidence of these results in
the next year.”
Simmons said the results from SizeUSA can
be used in a variety of design industries from office furniture
to car seats to airplane cockpits.
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Published by the Mizzou Alumni Association
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Last Update:
November 15, 2007
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