EN ISO 8559-2:2025

Size designation of clothes - Part 2: Primary and secondary dimension indicators (ISO 8559-2:2025)

Le présent document spécifie les mesures principales et secondaires pour des types spécifiés de vêtements afin d’établir un système de désignation de la taille fondé sur les mesures corporelles (comme défini dans l’ISO 8559-1).

Größenbezeichnung von Bekleidung - Teil 2: Primär- und Sekundärmaßkennzeichen (ISO 8559‑2:2025)

Désignation des tailles de vêtements - Partie 2: Indicateurs des mesures principales et secondaires (ISO 8559-2:2025)

Označevanje velikosti oblačil - 2. del: Kazalniki primarnih in sekundarnih mer (ISO 8559-2:2025)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 23-Sep-2025
• ICS: 61.020 - Clothes
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 248 - Textiles and textile products
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 248/WG 10 - Size system of clothing
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 24-Sep-2025
• Completion Date: 24-Sep-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN ISO 8559-2:2025 - Size designation of clothes - Part 2: Primary and secondary dimension indicators (ISO 8559-2:2025)

Relations

• Replaces: EN ISO 8559-2:2020 - Size designation of clothes - Part 2: Primary and secondary dimension indicators (ISO 8559-2:2017)
• Effective Date: 19-Jan-2023

Overview

EN ISO 8559-2:2025 - "Size designation of clothes - Part 2: Primary and secondary dimension indicators (ISO 8559-2:2025)" is a CEN-endorsed international standard that defines which body measurements are used to designate garment sizes. It builds on ISO 8559-1 (anthropometric definitions) and establishes a consistent, consumer-oriented size designation system based on body dimensions rather than garment measurements.

Key topics and requirements

• Primary and secondary dimensions: Specifies the primary dimension (PD) used to indicate basic garment size (expressed in cm) and optional secondary dimensions (SD) that refine fit information (expressed in cm; some exceptions such as kg for pantyhose).
• Scope by garment type: Lists PD and SD for a wide range of garments (men’s, women’s, boys’ and girls’ outer garments, suits, trousers/shorts, skirts, dresses, knits, shirts, underwear, headwear, gloves, etc.). See Table 1 in the standard for specifics by garment type.
• Definitions: Includes terms such as PD, SD, cup size (bust minus underbust girth), and interval (difference between adjacent table values).
• Labelling and marking: Describes methods and examples for displaying size designation on labels and tags (Annex A provides label examples).
• Supporting information: Annex B (new in this edition) gives guidance on supplemental size information that can accompany the primary designation.
• Normative reference: ISO 8559-1:2017 for measurement definitions and methods.
• Edition: Second edition (2025), superseding EN ISO 8559-2:2020.

Practical applications

• Manufacturers and pattern graders: Use PD/SD rules to create internationally consistent size ranges and size charts.
• Retailers and e‑commerce platforms: Improve product labelling and online size guides to help consumers choose the correct size and reduce returns.
• Digital fitting and size‑recommendation services: Map user body measurements to standardised size indicators for better fit prediction.
• Brand/merchandise planners: Apply standardised size designations for assortment planning and inventory management.
• Regulators and standards bodies: Reference for consumer information and labelling requirements.
• Sustainability advocates: Supports UN Goal 12 (responsible consumption/production) by preserving clear size information across supply chains.

Related standards and notes

• ISO 8559 series (Part 1: anthropometric definitions) - mandatory reference for measurement methods.
• EN ISO 8559-2:2025 was approved by CEN and is intended for adoption as national standards across CEN member bodies.
• The system is explicitly based on body measurements, not finished garment dimensions - garment allowances remain a designer/manufacturer responsibility.

Keywords: EN ISO 8559-2:2025, size designation, primary and secondary dimensions, clothing sizing, body measurements, garment labelling, ISO 8559, CEN.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2025
Označevanje velikosti oblačil - 2. del: Kazalniki primarnih in sekundarnih mer (ISO
8559-2:2025)
Size designation of clothes - Part 2: Primary and secondary dimension indicators (ISO
8559-2:2025)
Größenbezeichnung von Bekleidung - Teil 2: Primär- und Sekundärmaßkennzeichen
(ISO 8559-2:2025)
Désignation des tailles de vêtements - Partie 2: Indicateurs des mesures principales et
secondaires (ISO 8559-2:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 8559-2:2025
ICS:
61.020 Oblačila Clothes
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 8559-2
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
September 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 61.020 Supersedes EN ISO 8559-2:2020
English Version
Size designation of clothes - Part 2: Primary and secondary
dimension indicators (ISO 8559-2:2025)
Désignation des tailles de vêtements - Partie 2: Größenbezeichnung von Bekleidung - Teil 2: Primär-
Indicateurs des mesures principales et secondaires und Sekundärmaßkennzeichen (ISO 8559-2:2025)
(ISO 8559-2:2025)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 4 August 2024.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 8559-2:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 8559-2:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 133 "Clothing
sizing systems - size designation, size measurement methods and digital fittings " in collaboration with
Technical Committee CEN/TC 248 “Textiles and textile products” the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2026, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by March 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 8559-2:2020.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body/national committee. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 8559-2:2025 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 8559-2:2025 without any
modification.
International
Standard
ISO 8559-2
Second edition
Size designation of clothes —
2025-09
Part 2:
Primary and secondary dimension
indicators
Désignation des tailles de vêtements —
Partie 2: Indicateurs des mesures principales et secondaires
Reference number
ISO 8559-2:2025(en) © ISO 2025

ISO 8559-2:2025(en)
© ISO 2025
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO 8559-2:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Definition of primary and secondary dimensions in garments . 2
5 Size designation . 6
5.1 General .6
5.2 Garment dimensions .6
5.3 Garment with cups .6
6 Labelling and marking. 6
6.1 Method .6
6.2 Examples of labels .7
Annex A (informative) Examples of labels of size designation . 8
Annex B (informative) Supporting size information to the size designation .24
Bibliography . 41

iii
ISO 8559-2:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity assessment,
as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 133, Clothing sizing systems ‒ size designation,
size measurement methods and digital fittings, in collaboration with the European Committee for
Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 248, Textiles and textiles products, in accordance with
the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 8559-2:2017), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— addition of Annex B.
A list of all parts in the ISO 8559 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
ISO 8559-2:2025(en)
Introduction
Different sizing systems in different companies mean that different size designations can fit people with
identical or very similar body measurements.
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.
This document can be used as a reference document for an international size designation system for different
types of garments.
This document has been developed within the context of UN Goal n°12 Responsible consumption and
production. For example, to ensure size designation information remains accessible from one user to the next.

v
International Standard ISO 8559-2:2025(en)
Size designation of clothes —
Part 2:
Primary and secondary dimension indicators
1 Scope
This document specifies primary and secondary dimensions for specified types of garments to establish a
size designation system based on body dimensions (as defined in ISO 8559-1).
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 8559-1:2017, Size designation of clothes — Part 1: Anthropometric definitions for body measurement
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
primary dimension
PD
body dimension that is used to designate the size of a garment for the consumer
Note 1 to entry: Primary dimension is expressed in cm.
3.2
secondary dimension
SD
body dimension that can additionally be used to designate the size of a garment for the consumer
Note 1 to entry: Secondary dimension is expressed in cm, with the exception of some expressed in kg (e.g. pantyhose).
3.3
cup size
difference between the bust girth and the underbust girth
Note 1 to entry: Adapted from ISO 8559-1:2017, 5.7.7.
Note 2 to entry: Cup size is expressed in cm.

ISO 8559-2:2025(en)
3.4
interval
difference between the two adjoining values in a body measurement table
[SOURCE: ISO 8559-3:2018, 3.3]
4 Definition of primary and secondary dimensions in garments
Primary and secondary dimensions are defined as shown in Table 1. These body measurements provide
the basis for the designation of clothing sizes, independently from the product itself, for garment types as
diverse as jackets, skirts, underwear, corsetry (intimate apparel) and headwear.
Body measurements are listed separately for men’s, women’s, boys’ and girls’ clothing.
For infants, body height shall be used as the primary dimension (see ISO 8559-1) except for headwear, socks,
stockings and gloves.
Heights and girths shall be measured in accordance with ISO 8559-1.
The primary dimension constitutes the basic size designation system.
Secondary dimensions, as given in Table 1, may be used in such a designation system. Other secondary
dimensions, not listed in Table 1, may be considered by manufacturers.
The following garment case example explains how to use the table.
The relevant indication of a men’s jacket is designated by the chest girth (as primary dimension), indicated
on a pictogram. Waist girth or body height or back shoulder width (as secondary dimensions), or all of them,
can be given as further optional measurements.
Hand size is a code based on the hand girth in centimetres (ISO 8559-1).

ISO 8559-2:2025(en)
Table 1 — Primary and secondary dimensions in garments
Men Women Boys Girls
Type of
Garment
garment
PD SD PD SD PD SD PD SD
1.  Outer Jackets Chest girth Height Bust girth Height Height Chest girth Height Bust girth
garments
Waist girth Waist girth
Back shoulder width Hip girth
Suits (set of jacket Chest girth Height Bust girth Height Height Chest girth Height Bust girth
and trouser together)
and Inside leg length and Waist girth Waist girth Waist girth
Waist girth Hip girth Inside leg length Hip girth Hip girth
Suits (set of jacket Chest girth Height Bust girth Height Height Chest girth Height Bust girth
and skirt together)
and and Waist girth Waist girth Waist girth
Waist girth Hip girth Hip girth Hip girth
Overcoats Chest girth Height Bust girth Height Height Chest girth Height Bust girth
Waist girth
Hip girth
Trousers/shorts Waist girth Height Hip girth Height Height Waist girth Height Waist girth
Hip girth Waist girth Hip girth Hip girth
Inside leg length Inside leg length
Skirts Waist girth Height Hip girth Height Height Waist girth Height Waist girth
Waist girth Hip girth Hip girth
Dresses Chest girth Height Bust girth Height Height Chest girth Height Bust girth
Hip girth
Waist girth
Knits: cardigans, Chest girth Height Bust girth Height Height Chest girth Height Bust girth
sweaters, T-shirts
a
When one dimension is chosen as primary dimension (PD), the second alternative dimension can be selected as secondary dimension (SD).
b
Cup size: refer to the definition given in Clause 3.
c
Foot length is related to shoe size.
d
Hand girth is related to hand size.

ISO 8559-2:2025(en)
Table 1 (continued)
Men Women Boys Girls
Type of
Garment
garment
PD SD PD SD PD SD PD SD
a
Shirts/blouses Neck girth Height Bust girth Height Height Neck girth Height Neck girth
or Under arm length Neck girth Chest girth Bust girth
a
Chest girth Arm length Under arm length Under arm Under arm
length length
Back neck point to Arm length
wrist length Arm length Arm length
Back neck point to
wrist length Back neck Back neck
point to wrist point to wrist
length length
a
Full bodies: overalls, Chest girth Height Bust girth Height Height Chest girth Height Bust girth
surf-suits, wetsuits,
or Waist girth Waist girth Waist girth
a
Bicycling gear,
Waist girth Hip girth Hip girth Hip girth
Full swimwear,
skiwear, brace and
bibs
2.  Under- Undervest Chest girth Height Bust girth Height Height Chest girth Height Bust girth
wear
Hip girth
Underpants, trunk Waist girth Height Hip girth Height Height Waist girth Height Waist girth
Hip girth Waist girth Hip girth Hip girth
Leggings, longjohns Waist girth Height Inside leg Hip girth Height Height Waist girth Height Waist girth
length
Inside leg length Hip girth Hip girth
Nightwear Chest girth Height Bust girth Height Height Chest girth Height Bust girth
Waist girth Waist girth
Hip girth
Swimwear Waist girth Height Bust girth Height Height Chest girth Height Bust girth
(without cups)
Hip girth Waist girth Waist girth
Hip girth Hip girth
Swimwear Bust girth Bust girth Bust girth Bust girth
(with cups) and under- — and under- — and under- — and under- —
b b b
bust girth bust girth bust girth bust girth
a
When one dimension is chosen as primary dimension (PD), the second alternative dimension can be selected as secondary dimension (SD).
b
Cup size: refer to the definition given in Clause 3.
c
Foot length is related to shoe size.
d
Hand girth is related to hand size.

ISO 8559-2:2025(en)
Table 1 (continued)
Men Women Boys Girls
Type of
Garment
garment
PD SD PD SD PD SD PD SD
3.  Corsetry Bras Bust girth Bust girth Bust girth Bust girth
(intimate and under- — and under- — and under- — and under- —
b
apparel) bust girth bust girth bust girth bust girth
Corsetry upper and Height Bust girth Height Height Height
Bust girth Bust girth Bust girth
full body and under-
Hip girth Hip girth Hip girth Hip girth
and under- b and under- and under-
(with cups) bust girth
Waist Waist girth  Waist  Waist
b
bust girth bust girth bust girth
girth  girth  girth
Corsetry upper and Height Bust girth Height Height Height
full body
Hip girth Hip girth Hip girth Hip girth
Chest girth Chest girth Bust girth
(without cups)
Waist Waist girth  Waist  Waist
girth  girth  girth
Corsetry lower body Waist girth Height Waist girth Height Waist girth Height Waist girth Height
Hip girth Hip girth Hip girth  Hip girth
Panty girdle Waist girth Hip girth Waist girth Hip girth Waist girth Hip girth Waist girth Hip girth
a a
4.  Hosiery Pantyhose Height Weight Height Weight Height Height
or or — —
a a
Waist girth Hip girth
c c c c
Stockings, knee-highs Foot length — Foot length — Foot length — Foot length —
c c c c
Socks Foot length Calf girth Foot length Calf girth Foot length Calf girth Foot length Calf girth
Ankle girth Ankle girth Ankle girth Ankle girth
d d d d
5.  Gloves Hand girth Hand length Hand girth Hand length Hand girth Hand length Hand girth Hand length
6.  Head- Head girth Head girth Head girth Head girth
— — — —
wear
a
When one dimension is chosen as primary dimension (PD), the second alternative dimension can be selected as secondary dimension (SD).
b
Cup size: refer to the definition given in Clause 3.
c
Foot length is related to shoe size.
d
Hand girth is related to hand size.

ISO 8559-2:2025(en)
5 Size designation
5.1 General
Graphical information on a label should be indicated by using the standard pictogram as given in
ISO 8559-1:2017, Figure 1. Where a similar graphic image is used (e.g. human body silhouette) in replacement
of the standardized pictogram, information related to the ranges of body dimensions with their body
dimension positions should be provided.
Textual information on a label requires the numerical values of the primary and secondary dimensions
together with the descriptive words such as chest girth, waist girth, etc.
The range of the dimensions shall be expressed as the minimum and the maximum dimensions of the body
for which the garment has been designed.
EXAMPLE For a garment designed to fit a body of which the height is between 174 cm and 178 cm, the minimum
dimension is 174 cm and the maximum dimension is 178 cm, and then the dimension range is expressed as “174 ‒ 178”
(given that the data are expressed in cm).
Where it is not practicable to use ISO 8559-1:2017, Figure 1, the numerical values of the primary and
secondary dimensions shall be given, together with the descriptive words such as chest girth, waist girth,
etc., alongside, in the order in which they are given in Table 1.
Where a similar graphic image (e.g. human body silhouette) is used in replacement of the standardised
pictogram, information related to the ranges of body dimensions with their body dimension position should
be provided.
...