ISO 8559-1:2017 provides a description of anthropometric measurements that can be used as a basis for the creation of physical and digital anthropometric databases. The list of measurements specified in this document is intended to serve as a guide for practitioners in the field of clothing who are required to apply their knowledge to select population market segments and to create size and shape profiles for the development of all garment types and their equivalent fit mannequins. The list provides a guide for how to take anthropometric measurements, as well as give information to clothing product development teams and fit mannequin manufacturers on the principles of measurement and their underlying anatomical and anthropometrical bases.

Annex A describes the use of the pictogram (standardized and modified) based on the selection of most usual body dimensions used for clothing size designation.

ISO 8559-1:2017 is intended to be used in conjunction with national, regional or international regulations or agreements to ensure harmony in defining population groups and to allow comparison of anthropometric data sets.