EN ISO 8559-1:2020 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 8559-1:2020 (ISO 8559-1:2017) specifies standardized anthropometric definitions for body measurement used in clothing size designation. Adopted by CEN, the standard provides precise landmark points, measurement principles and guidance for collecting physical and digital anthropometric data. It is intended as a foundation for creating harmonized anthropometric databases, developing size and shape profiles, and producing fit mannequins and clothing for defined population segments.

Key topics and requirements

• Clear measurement definitions and landmark points - detailed vertical, breadth/width/depth and girth measurements (e.g., stature, bust, waist, hip, inside leg) with referenced figures and landmark descriptions.
• Measuring conditions and equipment - guidance on posture, clothing of subjects, support surfaces and required apparatus such as anthropometers, tape measures, calipers and scales.
• Lines, planes and anatomical bases - standardized description of measurement lines, planes and underlying anatomical references to ensure repeatability.
• Measurement principles - procedures to ensure symmetry, posture control and consistent technique across observers and datasets.
• Annex A pictograms - standardized and modified pictograms showing the most commonly used body dimensions for clothing size designation.
• Interoperability guidance - intended use alongside national, regional or international regulations to harmonize population group definitions and enable comparison of anthropometric datasets.

Practical applications

• Creating physical and digital anthropometric databases for consumer populations.
• Defining size charts and size designation systems used by apparel brands and retailers.
• Developing pattern blocks and grading rules based on standardized body measurements.
• Designing fit mannequins and virtual avatars for product development and 3D fitting tools.
• Supporting ergonomics, PPE (personal protective equipment) sizing, and research where accurate body dimensions are required.
• Enabling cross-border comparison of measurement datasets for market segmentation and product fit decisions.

Who should use this standard

• Clothing product development teams, technical designers and pattern makers
• Fit mannequin manufacturers and digital avatar/3D-scan providers
• Size system and sizing strategy specialists in apparel brands and retailers
• Anthropometrists, ergonomists and researchers collecting body measurement data
• Standards bodies and regulatory organizations aligning size designation practices

Related standards

• EN ISO 8559-1:2020 is Part 1 of the ISO 8559 series; it is designed to be used with complementary national, regional or international agreements and other parts of the ISO 8559 family addressing size designation and sizing systems.

Keywords: ISO 8559-1, EN ISO 8559-1:2020, anthropometric definitions, body measurement, clothing size designation, size charts, fit mannequins, anthropometric databases, garment development.