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D5586 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D5586/D5586M −10, Standard Tables of Body Measurements for Women Aged 55 and Older (All Figure Types), establishes the first-ever standardized body measurement data derived specifically from the older female demographic. Developed from comprehensive research by Reich and Goldsberry at the University of Arizona in 1993, this standard directly addresses the substantial gap in the legacy PS 42-70 sizing system, which historically underrepresented this population segment.
📐 Scope and Research Background
Per Section 1.1 of the standard, this document represents the body measurements of 6,786 subjects across 38 states. The study measured 58 body locations, expanding upon the 45 measurements from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s PS 42-70 standard. The 13 additional measurements are explicitly designed to capture the physiological changes inherent to the older female figure. This data serves as the baseline for apparel design targeting women aged 55 and older, factoring in fabric ease, movement, styling, and fit (Section 1.2). Notably, this was the first standardized data collection effort ever conducted for this specific demographic.
⚙️ Data Structure and Historical Context
The measurement tables in D5586 are structured to correspond directly to the figure types and numerical size designations in the widely-used PS 42-70 database (Section 1.3). This allows manufacturers to directly compare and adapt the new data. The critical context is that the PS 42-70 baseline, still in use when this standard was created, included only 2% of older women in its original sample, making the D5586 data a revolutionary correction for apparel fit.
⚡ Key Breakthrough: Before ASTM D5586, no comprehensive, standardized body measurement data existed for the 55+ demographic. The PS 42-70 standard, based on 1942 research, sampled a demographic where older women comprised less than 2% of the data. D5586 is the first accurate representation of the modern older female figure for apparel design.
| 🟦 Parameter | 📏 PS 42-70 (1942 Baseline) | 📐 D5586 (1993 Research) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Demographic | All Adult Women (Age 55+ highly underrepresented) | Women Aged 55 and Older |
| Subject Sample Size | Older Women estimated at ~2% of sample | 6,786 subjects |
| Geographic Reach | Limited scope | 38 U.S. states |
| Measured Body Locations | 45 core measurements | Total of 58 (45 overlapping + 13 new) |
📊 Units of Measure and Referenced Standards
As specified in Section 1.4, the values in this standard are provided in both SI units (designated by the “M” in D5586M) and inch-pound units. These values are not exact equivalents, and the standard explicitly requires each system to be used independently of the other. Combining values from both systems results in non-conformance. The standard also relies on established terminologies from the ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles to ensure consistent interpretation.
| 🔗 Designation | 📄 Title | 🎯 Purpose in D5586 |
|---|---|---|
| D123 | Terminology Relating to Textiles | Defines general textile and manufacturing terms used within the document. |
| D5219 | Terminology Relating to Body Dimensions for Apparel Sizing | Provides the precise vocabulary for body measurement landmarks and methods. |
⚠️ Important Note on Units (Section 1.4): The values stated in SI units (D5586M) and inch-pound units (D5586) are not exact equivalents. Users must select one system and apply it consistently throughout the design and specification process. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary purpose of ASTM D5586?
Its primary purpose is to provide standardized baseline body measurement tables specifically for women aged 55 and older (all figure types). It serves as a tool for apparel manufacturers to design garments that accurately fit the proportions and maturity patterns of this demographic, which was critically underrepresented in previous sizing systems like PS 42-70.
💡 How does D5586 relate to the legacy PS 42-70 standard?
D5586 intentionally uses the same figure type classifications and size designations as PS 42-70 to facilitate direct comparison and integration by manufacturers. However, D5586 is based on 1993 data from 6,786 subjects specifically aged 55+, adding 13 new measurement locations to capture physiological changes. The older PS 42-70 standard, conversely, was based on 1942 data where this age group comprised only 2% of the sample.
⚡ What does the dual designation D5586/D5586M signify?
The dual designation indicates that the standard provides measurements in two independent systems of units. D5586 specifies values in inch-pound units, while D5586M specifies values in SI (metric) units. Section 1.4 explicitly warns that these are not exact equivalents and must be used independently to avoid non-conformance.
📌 Which companies are most affected by this standard (Section 1.3)?
Companies most affected are those using smaller numbered hang tag designations, those offering primarily S, M, and L sizing, and companies that have historically adjusted their charts from the PS 42-70 database. These businesses need to analyze the older customer’s differences by actual body measurements rather than relying on legacy sizing numbers.