ISO 8559-2:2017 PDF

Size designation of clothes — Part 2: Primary and secondary dimension indicators

Open preview (PDF)

Title (English):

ISO 8559-2:2017

Size designation of clothes — Part 2: Primary and secondary dimension indicators

Document status:: Withdrawn
Format:: Electronic (PDF)
Number of pages:: 29
Publication date:: February 28, 2017
Edition:: ISO IS 8559 edition 1 version 1
ICS:: 61.020

Delivery type:

Full version25 €Read online 24h10 €Read online 72h15 €

Document language:

enru

Delivery time:Immediate download

Price:25 €

Description (English):

ISO 8559-2:2017 specifies primary and secondary dimensions for specified types of garments to be used in combination with ISO 8559‑1 (anthropometric definitions for body measurement). The primary aim of this document is to establish a size designation system that can be used by manufacturers and retailers to indicate to consumers (in a simple, direct and meaningful manner) the body dimensions of the person that the garment is intended to fit. Provided that the size of the person's body (as indicated by the specified dimensions) has been determined in accordance with ISO 8559‑1, this designation system will facilitate the choice of garments that fit. This information can be indicated by labelling, etc. The size designation system is based on body measurements, not garment measurements. The choice of garment measurements is normally determined by the designer and the manufacturers who make appropriate allowances to accommodate the type and position of wear, style, cut and fashion elements of the garment.

Technical details

Technical committee: ISO/TC 133 - Clothing sizing systems - size designation, size measurement methods and digital fittings
SKU: ISO 8559-2:2017

Abstract

Overview

ISO 8559-2:2017 - "Size designation of clothes - Part 2: Primary and secondary dimension indicators" defines how clothing sizes should be designated using body-based measurements. Used together with ISO 8559‑1 (anthropometric definitions for body measurement), this standard establishes a clear, consumer-focused size designation system based on primary and secondary dimensions (expressed in centimetres) to help manufacturers, retailers and consumers identify the body dimensions a garment is intended to fit.

Key topics and technical requirements

Primary and secondary dimensions: The standard identifies which body measurements (primary dimension = PD, secondary dimension = SD) apply to different garment types and demographic groups (men, women, boys, girls). These are listed in Table 1 of the standard.
Body-based (not garment) measurements: Size designation is based on wearer body measurements (e.g., chest girth, waist girth, height), not on finished garment dimensions. Designers and manufacturers still choose garment measurements and allowances separately.
Units and special cases: Dimensions are expressed in centimetres; for some products (e.g., pantyhose) body mass (kg) can be a secondary indicator. Cup size is defined as the difference between bust girth and underbust girth where applicable.
Range notation: Size ranges are shown as minimum–maximum (e.g., “174–178”) representing the body dimensions for which the garment is designed.
Labelling and pictograms:
- Use the standard pictogram (from ISO 8559‑1) where practicable to indicate dimensions and positions on the body.
- If the pictogram is not used, numeric values must be shown together with descriptive terms (e.g., “chest girth”, “waist girth”).
- Size designation must be clear, conspicuous and legible on labels, tags or product pages; examples are provided in Annex A.
Placement and availability: Size information should be available at point of sale - in stores, catalogues and online.

Practical applications - who uses it

Apparel manufacturers and designers: To standardize size labels and communicate intended wearer dimensions across product lines and markets.
Retailers and e-commerce platforms: To display consistent, comparable size information that improves customer fit confidence and reduces returns.
Pattern makers and technical teams: To align body-based size designations with grading rules and garment allowances.
Quality assurance and compliance: To ensure labels meet international best practice for size designation.
Standards bodies and regulators: As a reference for national sizing policies or labeling guidance.

Related standards

ISO 8559-1 - Anthropometric definitions for body measurement (required companion standard for measurement positions and pictograms).

Keywords: ISO 8559-2:2017, size designation, primary and secondary dimensions, body measurements, clothing sizing, labeling, ISO 8559‑1, garment sizing, apparel manufacturers, retail sizing.

Related standards

Mentioned in the description and other ISO standards

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Primary and secondary dimensions: The standard identifies which body measurements (primary dimension = PD, secondary dimension = SD) apply to different garment types and demographic groups (men, women, boys, girls). These are listed in Table 1 of the standard.
Body-based (not garment) measurements: Size designation is based on wearer body measurements (e.g., chest girth, waist girth, height), not on finished garment dimensions. Designers and manufacturers still choose garment measurements and allowances separately.
Units and special cases: Dimensions are expressed in centimetres; for some products (e.g., pantyhose) body mass (kg) can be a secondary indicator. Cup size is defined as the difference between bust girth and underbust girth where applicable.
Range notation: Size ranges are shown as minimum–maximum (e.g., “174–178”) representing the body dimensions for which the garment is designed.
Labelling and pictograms:
- Use the standard pictogram (from ISO 8559‑1) where practicable to indicate dimensions and positions on the body.
- If the pictogram is not used, numeric values must be shown together with descriptive terms (e.g., “chest girth”, “waist girth”).
- Size designation must be clear, conspicuous and legible on labels, tags or product pages; examples are provided in Annex A.
Placement and availability: Size information should be available at point of sale - in stores, catalogues and online.

Practical applications - who uses it

Apparel manufacturers and designers: To standardize size labels and communicate intended wearer dimensions across product lines and markets.
Retailers and e-commerce platforms: To display consistent, comparable size information that improves customer fit confidence and reduces returns.
Pattern makers and technical teams: To align body-based size designations with grading rules and garment allowances.
Quality assurance and compliance: To ensure labels meet international best practice for size designation.
Standards bodies and regulators: As a reference for national sizing policies or labeling guidance.

Related standards

ISO 8559-1 - Anthropometric definitions for body measurement (required companion standard for measurement positions and pictograms).

Keywords: ISO 8559-2:2017, size designation, primary and secondary dimensions, body measurements, clothing sizing, labeling, ISO 8559‑1, garment sizing, apparel manufacturers, retail sizing.

ISO 8559-2:2017 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications - who uses it

Related standards

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications - who uses it

Related standards

Related standards

Size designation of clothes - Part 1: Anthropometric definitions for body measurement (ISO 8559-1:2017)

Systems and software engineering — Software life cycle processes

Asset management — Vocabulary, overview and principles

Asset management — Asset management system — Requirements

Information technology — Radio frequency identification device conformance test methods — Part 2: Test method…

Information technology — Multimedia framework (MPEG-21) — Part 22: User Description

Milk — Determination of the lactoperoxidase activity — Photometric method (Reference method)

Carbonaceous materials for the production of aluminium — Cold and tepid ramming pastes — Expansion/shrinkage…