1.1 This document represents research methodology and the tables represent charted data from subjects. Some terminology is specific to the research. The data represent the first body measurements ever taken of women aged 55 and older and is not a standard of average current apparel industry practices as represented in all other sizing standards.

1.2 These tables list body measurements of adult women age 55 and over. The body measurements tables can be used as a baseline in designing apparel for adult women in this age group, taking into account such factors as fabric type, desired ease of body movement, styling, and fit.

1.3 Measurement tables correspond to the figure types and numerical size designations in the PS 42-70 database. Until body measurements of all adult women are updated, companies will have to analyze the older customer's differences by body measurements and proportions instead of hang tag numbers, and adapt them to currently marketed sizes and figure types. Companies especially affected are those who are today using smaller numbered hang tag designations, who offer mainly S, M, and L sizes, or who have adjusted their charts from the PS 42-70 database to reflect the specific body measurements of their 1990's customer.

1.4 The values stated in either acceptable SI units or inch-pound units shall be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other, without combining values.