ISO 8559-2
(Main)Size designation of clothes — Part 2: Primary and secondary dimension indicators
Size designation of clothes — Part 2: Primary and secondary dimension indicators
This document 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.
Désignation des tailles de vêtements — Partie 2: Indicateurs des mesures principales et secondaires
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
International
Standard
Second edition
Size designation of clothes —
Part 2:
Primary and secondary dimension
indicators
Désignation des tailles de vêtements —
Partie 2: Indicateurs des mesures principales et secondaires
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
© 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: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
ii
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
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iii
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.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iv
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.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
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.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
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).
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
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.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
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 gir
...
Date: 2025-02-20
ISO FDIS/PRF 8559-2:2025(en)
ISO/TC 133/SC /WG 3
Secretariat: SABS
Date:
Size designation of clothes —
Part 2:
Primary and secondary dimension indicators
Désignation des tailles de vêtements —
Partie 2: Indicateurs des dimensionsmesures principales et secondaires
PROOF
ISO DIS/PRF 8559-2:2024(E2025(en)
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: + 41 22 749 01 11
EmailE-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO FDIS/PRF 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 . 9
5.1 General . 9
5.2 Garment dimensions . 9
5.3 Garment with cups . 9
6 Labelling and marking . 10
6.1 Method . 10
6.2 Examples of labels . 10
Annex A (informative) Examples of labels of size designation . 12
Annex B (informative) Supporting size information to the size designation . 44
Bibliography . 78
iii
ISO DIS/PRF 8559-2:2024(E2025(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'sISO’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 BAnnex 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 FDIS/PRF 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'sperson’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
[6]
..
v
ISO FDIS 8559-2:2025(en)
DRAFT International Standard
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 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 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 (example:e.g.
pantyhose).
3.3 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.
ISO/PRF 8559-2:2025(en)
Note 2 to entry: Cup size is expressed in cm.
3.4 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 1Table 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'men’s, women’s, boys’ and girls'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 1Table 1,, may be used in such a designation system. Other secondary
dimensions, not listed in Table 1Table 1,, may be considered by manufacturers.
The following garment case example explains how to use the table.
The relevant indication of a men'smen’s jacket is designated by the chest girth (as primary dimension),
indicated on a pictogram. Waist girth and/or body height and/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 FDIS/PRF 8559-2:2025(en)
Table 1 — Primary and secondary dimensions in garments
Garm Garment Men Women Boys Girls
ents
for:Ty
b
SD P
pe of
SD PD SD PD SD PD SD
D
garm
ent
1. Outer
garments
1. Ou Jackets Chest Height Bust Height Height Chest Height Bust girth
ter girth girth girth
Waist girth Waist girth
garme
Back Hip girth
nts
shoulder
width
Suits (set of Chest Height Bust Height Height Chest Height Bust girth
jacket and girth girth girth
Inside leg Waist girth Waist girth
trouser
and length and Waist
Inside leg Hip girth
together)
girth
Waist Hip length
girth girth Hip
girth
Suits (set of Chest Height Bust Height Height Chest Height Bust girth
jacket and girth girth girth
Waist girth Waist girth
skirt
and and Waist
Hip girth
together)
girth
Waist Hip
girth girth Hip
girth
Overcoats Chest Height Bust Height Height Chest Height Bust girth
girth girth girth
Waist girth
Hip girth
Trousers/sh Waist Height Hip Height Height Waist Height Waist girth
orts girth girth girth
Hip girth Waist girth Hip girth
ISO/PRF 8559-2:2025(en)
Garm Garment Men Women Boys Girls
ents
for:Ty
b
SD P
pe of
SD PD SD PD SD PD SD
D
garm
ent
Inside leg Inside leg Hip
length length girth
Skirts Waist Height Hip Height Height Waist Height Waist girth
girth girth girth
Waist girth Hip girth
Hip
girth
Dress Dresses Chest Height Bust Height Height Chest Height Bust girth
c
es girth girth girth
Hip girth
Waist girth
Knits: Chest Height Bust Height Height Chest Height Bust girth
cardigans, girth girth girth
sweaters, T-
shirts
Shirts/blous Neck Height Bust Height Height Neck Height Neck girth
d
es girth girth girth
Under arm Neck girth Bust girth
a
girth
length Chest
Under arm Under arm length
or girth
Arm length length
Arm length
Chest Under
Back neck Arm length
Back neck point to wrist length
d
girth arm
point to
Back neck
a
girth length
wrist length
point to
Arm
wrist
length
length
Back
neck
point
to wrist
length
ISO FDIS/PRF 8559-2:2025(en)
Garm Garment Men Women Boys Girls
ents
for:Ty
b
SD P
pe of
SD PD SD PD SD PD SD
D
garm
ent
Full bodies: Chest Height Bust Height Height Chest Height Bust girth
d
girth girth girth
Overalls Waist girth Waist girth
a
girth
overalls, Waist
Hip girth Hip girth
surf-suits, or girth
wetsuits,
Waist Hip
d
Bicycling girth girth
a
gear, girth
Full
swimwear,
skiwear,
brace and
bibs
2. Underwear
2. Un Undervest Chest Height Bust Height Height Chest Height Bust girth
derwe girth girth girth
Hip girth
ar
Underpants, Waist Height Hip Height Height Waist Height Waist girth
trunk girth girth girth
Hip girth Waist girth Hip girth
Hip
girth
Leggings, Waist Height Hip Height Height Waist Height Waist girth
longjohns girth Inside leg girth girth
Inside leg Hip girth
length
length Hip
girth
Nightwear Chest Height Bust Height Height Chest Height Bust girth
girth girth girth
Waist
...
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