Comparison of Garment Sizing Systems

Abstract

Reflecting two ways of impacting a garment sizing system-by modifying the body sizing table, and by modifying the ease amounts added (at bust and hip only), 4 garment sizing systems presenting the combinations of a standard (ASTM D5585-95R01) or a modified body sizing table, each with constant or size-dependent ease amounts across sizes, were compared by testing their relative (as opposed to absolute) performance in fit tests with 81 study participants. Test garments (princess style jackets), sizes 2-16, were manufactured for each system (32 garments). Each participant was photographed in the best-fitting size garment from each system. Three fit experts ranked the 4 garments by fit for each study participant. Statistical analysis indicated better overall performance of systems based on size-dependent ease (but not within each size group) and of the modified table (significantly better for participants with small hip-bust drop and not significantly for participants with large drop).