1.5 STANDARDIZING BODY MEASUREMENTS
TECHNIQUES
Measurement surveys collect measurement data to produce sizing systems. They are very
costly. To obtain reliable data, thousands of subjects have to be measured and it is very
difficult to obtain public money for the task. The last comprehensive British survey of
women's body measurements, publicly available, was published in 1957. Many companies still
use this data, but modify it with reference to European surveys, their own sample surveys of
their particular product market, leaked information or other available data: e.g. an increase in
waist measurement and the height increase in younger women.
Measurement by different types of scanning has been developed. Experimental work is
taking place with the Hamamatsu Photonics Bodyline near infrared scanner in the
Department of Computer Science, University College, London. Recent surveys have been
undertaken at Loughborough University using a shadow scanner (LASS). This method creates a
measurable three-dimensional image. A slit of light is passed over a rotating body whilst cameras
record the image. Dimensions around and through the body can be recorded. The French system
TELMAT has updated its 2D body measurement system to 3D imagery in order to provide
more accurate calculations of body measurements.
British Standards
Sizing: The British Standards Institution has established a size designation system that
indicates (in a simple, direct and meaningful manner) the body size of the woman that a
garment is intended to d\. The size designation system is based on body and not garment
measurements.
Size Designation: The size designation of each garment should comprise the control
dimensions, in centimeters, of the intended wearer of that garment.