Historical Dictionary of the fashion industry

SIZE USA

In 2002, the first major study of the size and shape of Americans was conducted by [TC]2as a followup toASTM's study during World War II. Usingbodyscanningtechnology, 10,000 Americans were scanned for this study in 2002. Subjects scanned were grouped into divisions of gender, six age groups, and four ethnicities. Information including ZIP code, annual household income, marital status, lifestyle, education, employment status, and apparel shopping preferences were obtained. The results of the study, released in 2003, concluded that, among other things, the U.S. population has grown heavier versus taller, that sizing rules of the past were obsolete, and that new sizing standards need to be developed. The results of this study are available to the public.