An optimisation approach to apparel sizing

A novel approach for the construction of apparel sizing systems is formulated. As a first step to this process, efficient sizing systems are defined based on a mathematical model of garment fit. Nonlinear optimisation techniques are then used to derive a set of possible sizing systems using multidimensional information from anthropometric data. The method is illustrated by developing a sizing system designed for a dress shirt of a military uniform using anthropometric data from the US Army. Results of this analysis show that endogenous size assignment and selection of disaccommodated individuals, together with relaxation of the requirement of a ‘stepwise’ size structure, results in substantial improvements in fit over an existing sizing system. The proposed methodology enables the development of sizing systems that can either increase accommodation of the population, reduce the number of sizes in the system, or improve overall fit in accommodated individuals.