Overview - ISO 8559-5:2023 (Anthropometric measurements for the head and face)
ISO 8559-5:2023 specifies a standardized set of anthropometric measurements for the head and face to support the creation of physical and digital anthropometric databases. It is Part 5 of the ISO 8559 series on size designation of clothes and was prepared by ISO/TC 133 (Clothing sizing systems). The standard defines landmark points (for example sellion, pronasale, superaurale, zygon/side point of the face, rearmost point of the head) and reference planes (notably the Frankfurt plane) used for consistent head and face measurements.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Measurement scope: Arc, girth, width and point-to-point (height) measurements for head, face and neck regions. Examples include head girth, neck base girth, interpupillary width, face width, and multiple sagittal and coronal arc measures.
- Landmarks & definitions: Precise anatomical landmark definitions (e.g., pronasale = nose tip; sellion = deepest nasal bone depression) to ensure reproducibility across datasets.
- Measuring conditions: Guidance on posture, body symmetry and use of the Frankfurt plane to align subjects during measurement.
- Equipment: Recommended tools such as tape measures, spreading/ sliding calipers and pupillometers for accurate widths and distances.
- Data interoperability: Designed to be a basis for both physical and digital anthropometric databases, enabling comparisons across population groups and datasets.
Practical applications and users
This standard is directly applicable to professionals who need reproducible head and face sizing data for product development, fit and safety:
- Headwear and face-wear manufacturers (hats, hoods, masks, helmets, scarves) for size and shape profiling and fit design.
- Clothing product development teams extending designs from torso/shoulder to neck and head.
- Digital fitting and 3D scanning platforms building anthropometric databases and virtual try-on solutions.
- Ergonomists and anthropometric researchers conducting population studies and segment selection.
- Safety equipment designers requiring standardized head measurements for protective gear fit and certification.
Related standards and notes
- Part of the ISO 8559 series (size designation of clothes).
- Some landmark definitions align with other ISO references (e.g., the rearmost point corresponds to Opisthocranion in ISO 7250-1).
- The document contains no normative references; it focuses on definitions, measurement principles and equipment guidance.
Using ISO 8559-5:2023 helps ensure consistent, comparable head and face measurement data for product sizing, digital anthropometry and cross-population analyses.