Measurement Specifications for Manufacturers' Prototype Bodies

The objective of this study was to examine information on body measurement specifications for one prototype body used by women's apparel manufacturers-fit models. Specifically, information was examined to determine if fit model measurement specifications had changed since 1986. Measurement specifications need to be revised regularly to accommodate changes in the population's anthropometry. Advertisements for sizes 8 and 10fit models were collected from 1986 and 1997 trade publications in the apparel industry. The 1997 size 8 specifications for bust, waist and hips were larger than the 1986 size 8. In 1997, size 8 and size 10 fit model specifications did not statistically differ. The bust and waist of the 1997 size 8 were significantly larger than the 1986 size 10. The dearth of advertisements for size 10 fit models in 1997 and the fact that many advertisements either gave measurement specifications with no size designation or required a size 8 but gave no measurement specifications suggest that size 8 is the current sample size designation. While fit model measurement specifications have changed, the change appears to have been accomplished by designating as a size 8 what was previously a size 10. Technological advances have begun to revolutionize how apparel is produced. However, technology will not displace one aspect of conventional mass production-the customer's perception of fit—thus the continued need for use of a live prototype body, whether a professional fit model or a customer.