Finding the right fit when buying clothes off the rack may become easier when the results of a North American sizing survey are released.
The survey started in 2017 to measure more than 17,800 people of all ages, sizes and ethnicity. The surveyors plan to visit 30 sites across North America and when the survey is complete, the apparel and automotive industries can adopt the information for more accurate sizing.
In Alberta, the Apparel Innovation Centre, a partnership between Olds College and Alberta Garment Inc., is working with Human Solutions NA to collect measurements until April. The survey includes a 3D body scan and a foot scan and four measurements while the person is standing or sitting.
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They hope to collect measurements on about 1,000 men and women from southern Alberta aged six to 75.
“For people who have issues with fit, it is a great opportunity to get your data point into the size ranges that will be created as a result,” said Michael Bussoli, manager of the Apparel Innovation Centre based in Calgary.
“One of the main objectives of the sizing survey is to create a clear, comprehensive and accurate picture of the population of North America and there will be a data set for Canada and one for the U.S.,” he said.
The information can be used not only for the garment trade but for ergonomic chairs that may even find their way into farm equipment for automotive or tractor seats.
“It is an important thing because the operators are sitting there for hours on end,” he said.
North American body measurements and proportions have changed since 2000. There is a particular gap in information about children.
European surveys indicate stronger diversity and show new data for changes in proportions in the higher weight ranges.
Standard U.S. clothing sizes for women were developed from a survey in the 1940s. U.S. catalogue sizes follow standards based on experience rather than on reliable data so developing size tables is challenging.
To participate visit www.sizenorthamerica.com to make an appointment, fill out the questionnaire via email and then visit the Apparel Innovation Centre in Calgary to get a scan. The on-site procedure will take about 15 minutes, including four 3D body scans, a foot scan and five measurements from hand. Each participant receives $20.
