In the apparel industry, garments customized for fit are directly tied to the availability of a comprehensive, accurate set of measurements for each interested consumer. To obtain accurate physical measurements, a comprehensive set of skills is required. Even though 3D body scanners have great potential for mass customization strategies to be employed in the apparel industry, without a clear communication of standard body measurement terminology, mass customization strategies will fail.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate body measurement terminology and methods used in the apparel industry. From this evaluation, inconsistencies and potential problems were uncovered. Standards for apparel sizing were collected from ASTM D 5219 and ISO 8559 that have been used for developing 3D body scanners in Hamamatsu and Telmat. In addition, current technical references were compared with the standards.
Significant in the findings was the fact that 43.32% of the measurement definitions were not available in either standard. The interpretation of unclear landmarks will critically impact the resulting measurement. The traditional measurement methods had three limitations. First, traditional measurement methods for apparel have been based on “feel” by hand. Second, to measure arm length, a bent arm was necessary and causes different results. And third, imaginary lines such as “side seam to side seam” appeared an unclear description. There was a lack of consensus of terminology and acceptance of standard measurements for apparel. Therefore, a set of measurement standards is needed for both apparel producers and 3D body scanner developers. Standardization of body measurements in industries relating to apparel will increase efficiency in the apparel industry.
By: Su-Jeong Hwang & Cynthia L. Istook North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
Submit Date: 6/14/2010 18:00