US standard clothing size

US standard clothing size

US standard clothing sizes were developed from statistical data in the 1940s-1950s. They are similar in concept to the EN 13402 European clothing size standard.

However, as a result of various cultural pressures, most notably vanity sizing, North American clothing sizes have drifted substantially away from this standard over time, and now have very little connection to it. Instead, they now follow the more loosely defined standards known as US catalog sizes. These are on average 6 sizes larger than the original standard. So, for example, a size 12 on the old standard would today be described as a size 6, while a size 6 on the old scale would be what is today known as size zero.

In the UK, a derivative of the US standard clothing sizes was developed and applied during the 1980s. These sizes are still in use today, although they too have drifted away from the original. UK sizes are roughly 4 sizes out from the US sizes. Thus, a UK size 4 is equivalent to a US size zero, or an old size 6.

Women's sizes

Women’s sizes are divided into various types, depending on the overall height and the relative heights of the bust and waistlines.

Baby sizes

With the average American woman's height at about 5'4", both standard and catalog size ranges attempt to address a variety of weights / builds as well as providing for the "shorter-than-average" height woman with "petite" and "half-sizes". However "taller-than-average" women (who should be as numerous as "shorter-than-average", since the distribution of heights follows a bell curve) may find their size-height addressed by manufacturers less frequently, and may often find themselves facing issues of slightly too short pant legs and sleeve cuffs, as well as waist lengths.

ee also

* International Clothing Sizes
* EN 13402
* Vanity sizing
* Petite sizes

Bibliography

* Provides a complete listing of the standard sizes.


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