Standardization News

ASTM International Committee D13 on Textiles is currently at work on a proposed new guide that will cover petite and tall heights for the missy measurement standard, since the missy standard is based on a single average height.

The proposed new standard, WK33671, Guide for Body Measurements for Adult Misses Petite Figure Type, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D13.55 on Body Measurement for Apparel Sizing.

"The missy standard for body measurements has traditionally included a height change by size, which consequently includes length adjustments, meaning that the smaller sizes were shorter and the larger sizes longer in several key areas, such as sleeve lengths," says Debra Kelnsch, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and a D13 member. "However, there are petite ladies in all sizes. All small size ladies are not short and all large size ladies are not tall."

Call says that in the past the missy standard has included length as an inherent part of the size.

"Companies that do not offer petite/tall options would, of necessity, have to adjust the key length measurement or provide garments that were, for instance, too long in the sleeve and overall length for those customers who were shorter than average," says Klensch.

Once the proposed new standard has been approved, companies that do not offer petite/tall options would not have to make any measurement adjustments from the main standard and those that do will have a table of how the measurements would be affected and the exact measurements to use.

D13 welcomes all interested parties to participate in its standards developing activities. Anyone who has expertise in body measurements, sizing, fitting, grading and garment measuring specifications and techniques is encouraged to join D13.

CONTACT Technical Information: Debra Klensch, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base • Dayton, Ohio • Phone: 937-255-4919 • O ASTM Staff: Jennifer Rodgers • Phone: 610-832-9694 • O Upcoming Meeting: Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2012 • January Committee Week • Atlanta, Ga.