Comparative analysis of sizing in children's wear between the UK and Korea

The body shapes and sizes of children are distinctive and continually developing into adults' shapes. The sizing system for children's garments is not standardised between clothing companies and countries because to follow the national standard sizing system and to use the data of a national sizing survey is not compulsory for clothing companies. These factors bring about difficulties for garment makers for manufacturing appropriate sizes of clothing as well as for consumers while choosing the size of clothes in the global fashion market.

For these reasons, a better understanding of body size and shape of children including their current sizing system and size charts is required. This research is based on in-depth empirical research comparing selected cases which are the UK and Korea. The aim was to provide a systematic technical guideline for garment makers by gaining a knowledge of current children’s body sizes and shapes and consequently providing an alternative set of data for the UK and Korea.

Firstly, the main body shapes and sizes characteristics of infants and children including their growth rate, age classification, and gender differences were considered. Next, data of national sizing surveys and national sizing standards including the current brand size charts of infants and children’s clothing brands in the UK and Korea were compared and analysed by mixed methods. Also, consumer surveys were conducted and analysed to be aware of the difficulties in choosing sizes and purchasing tendencies of consumers.

It was found that national sizing surveys and national sizing systems in the UK and Korea did not correspond significantly and it was referred that understanding of this contrasting designation and body measurement methods should be considered to explore each countries’ market. The different size chart constructing methods and body measurements between the two countries’ brand size charts also should be reflected for developing new size charts. It was also found that the considerably different consumer behaviour in the two countries should be recognised by garment manufacturers