Overview
ISO 5971:2017 - Size designation of clothes - Tights (sometimes referred to as pantyhose) establishes an industry-consistent system for designating tights sizes. The standard specifies how to identify control dimensions, derive size designations from population survey data, and present size designations for clear garment labelling and packaging. Informative annexes include rationale on survey data (Annex A) and practical examples of size grids and tables (Annex B).
Key topics and requirements
- Three core criteria:
- Identification of control dimensions (primary and secondary).
- Methods for determining size designations using survey/grid data.
- Clear indication of size designations on labels and packaging.
- Control dimensions:
- Typical combinations: height (primary) + hip girth or body mass (secondary) OR hip girth (primary) + height (secondary).
- ISO 5971 notes a close correlation between hip girth and body mass; height correlates with inside leg length.
- Survey-based size grids:
- Size designation is derived from a grid with co‑ordinates (e.g., height vs hip girth or height vs body mass).
- Each cell reflects the fraction of a measured population matching both dimensions; empty cells indicate negligible population.
- Manufacturers may use detailed grids or simpler charts with ranges (letter sizes, numeric ranges).
- Labelling and packaging:
- Size must be indicated clearly, conspicuously and plainly on packaging or labels.
- Size indication methods can include colour, numbers, letters or other suitable means.
- Customization:
- Cartography, number of sizes and cell ranges depend on product extensibility (stretch) and target market morphology.
- Normative links:
Applications
Who uses ISO 5971 and why:
- Apparel manufacturers and product developers - to design consistent size ranges and reduce fit-related returns.
- Pattern makers and technical designers - to create grading rules based on standard control dimensions.
- Retailers and e‑commerce teams - to produce accurate size charts and online fit guides (improves conversion and reduces returns).
- Quality assurance and compliance teams - to ensure labelling meets international expectations.
- Sizing survey researchers - to map population data into practical size grids for specific markets.
Practical benefits include standardized size charts for tights, clearer packaging labelling, improved customer fit guidance, and reduced sizing confusion across brands and regions.
Related standards
- ISO 8559-1: Anthropometric definitions for body measurement
- ISO 8559-2: Primary and secondary dimension indicators
Keywords: ISO 5971, tights size designation, pantyhose sizing, size grid, hip girth, body mass, height, garment labelling, size charts, sizing surveys.