ISO 8559-3:2018

Overview

ISO 8559-3:2018 - "Size designation of clothes - Part 3: Methodology for the creation of body measurement tables and intervals" provides a practical, low-complexity statistical methodology for developing body measurement tables and size intervals used in ready-to-wear clothing. The standard explains how to select population groups (infants, girls, boys, children, women, men and sub‑groups), choose explanatory and dependent body dimensions, and produce intervalled size tables that support consistent size designation and better-fitting garments. Values shown in the document are illustrative; garment dimensions are not included.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Population scope: Defines the target groups and sub‑groups for sizing work (infants, children, girls, boys, women, men).
• Data selection: Guidance on choosing appropriate anthropometric datasets and the importance of homogeneous populations for table creation. ISO 15535 is referenced as useful for recording population data.
• Explanatory vs dependent variables: Clarifies terms and criteria for selecting primary dimensions (e.g., height, chest, waist, hip) used as explanatory variables and dependent measurements predicted from them.
• Statistical methodology: Recommends simple statistical techniques (including simple and multiple linear regression) with deliberately low statistical complexity so the guidance is broadly accessible.
• Residual standard deviation: Uses residual standard deviation from regression models to assess how well explanatory variables predict dependent measurements and to relate statistical spread to garment fitting tolerances.
• Categories of tables: Distinguishes between “statistic” tables (variable intervals, predicted data) and “linearly smoothed” tables more adapted to pattern making and production.
• Intervals and ranges: Principles for deciding interval sizes and ranges for size designation; examples are provided (e.g., using height or chest as explanatory variables).
• Practical notes: Emphasizes flexibility so sizing systems can adapt to demographic changes and differences in body shape across target populations.

Practical applications and users

ISO 8559-3:2018 is intended for professionals involved in clothing sizing and product development:

• Clothing manufacturers and pattern makers creating size tables and grading rules
• Product developers and technical designers aiming for consistent fit across production runs
• Retailers and brand teams defining market‑specific sizing strategies
• Anthropometrists, statisticians and data analysts handling body measurement surveys
• Standards bodies and consultants aligning sizing systems across regions

Typical applications include producing measurement tables for grading, informing size designation (complementary to ISO 8559-2), creating fit mannequins ("dummies"), and interpreting sizing survey results to improve fit and reduce returns.

Related standards

• ISO 8559-1 (Anthropometric definitions for body measurement)
• ISO 8559-2 (Primary and secondary dimension indicators; size designation intervals)
• ISO 15535 (Guidance for recording and organising anthropometric data)

Keywords: ISO 8559-3:2018, size designation, body measurement tables, intervals, anthropometric data, ready-to-wear sizing, statistical methodology, regression, residual standard deviation, clothing industry.