Analysis of Tall Sized Women’s Figures Based on Sizeusa Data: An Assessment of Tall Sizing Systems Used in the U.S. Apparel Industry

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this study is to analyze tall women’s body size and figure and investigate whether current tall sizing charts accurately reflect actual tall size women’s bodies. This study also categorizes tall women’s body shapes and suggests primary body measurements as a base size for each shape. The ultimate goal is to suggest fundamental body measurements for apparel companies to modify and improve their sizing. This study used data from SizeUSA data to compare body measurements of 18-35 year old tall (>5’8”) women (n=267) to regular women. We compared the results to measurement differences between tall and regular sizing charts of 10 apparel companies. Then, using the principal component analysis and cluster analysis, we classified tall women’s body shapes. Body measurements for each body type are contrasted with the current tall sizing charts, and then, we present differences as suggestions for modification and improvement of tall sizing. Industry sizing system do not generally represent average tall size women, especially crotch height, center back neck to wrist length. Within the tall women, three body types were identified (Top tall: 24.3%, Bottom tall: 58.1%, and Plus tall: 17.5%). It is the first to analyze the industry tall-sizing system utilizing population data and focus tall sizing for women aged 18-35. We believe this study could draw attention of the apparel industry, providing companies with ideas of how to improve their tall sizing for young women.</p>