A Representative Size Survey of the North American Population
Size NorthAmerica became the most extensive size survey ever conducted on the continent. The measurement survey took place between 2017 and 2019. By the end of the project, over 18,000 people in the USA and Canada had been scanned with high-precision 3D body-scanning technology. All data was anonymized, combined with socio-demographic information, and processed for industrial applications, especially in the automotive and apparel sectors. Size NorthAmerica also scanned children aged 6–17. A later study, Size NorthAmerica Babies and Toddlers, extended the survey by including additional scans of infants and toddlers aged 0–5. Overall, the database comprises approximately 9.8k foot scans, along with hand and head scans.
The study filled a major data gap: existing body-measurement surveys were outdated and no longer represented the diverse North American population. By providing accurate, up-to-date body dimensions, Size NorthAmerica enabled manufacturers to design products that better reflected real human shapes and proportions. With this data integrated into digital development tools, companies improved ergonomics, safety, comfort, and fit - creating more inclusive products tailored to today’s North American market.
Size NorthAmerica Results
The Size NorthAmerica study delivered the most accurate and comprehensive anthropometric dataset ever collected in the United States and Canada. Using ISO- and ASTM-compliant 3D body-scanning methods, the project ensured exceptional measurement precision and data reliability.
The discovered new size trends include:
- Body height growth is slowing, while body circumferences are increasing
- Over 70% of the population is obese, as also shown by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Significant differences can be seen between urban and rural populations, and between populations of different ethnic origins
- The BMI has the highest average values ever determined by a measurement survey.
- This data is crucial for matching the special requirements of the modern fashion industry
Benefits of Size NorthAmerica
Size NorthAmerica offered industries the high-quality anthropometric foundation they had long been missing. The dataset's precision, representativeness, and accessibility enabled companies to optimize their products for comfort, safety, and inclusivity.
Key benefits included:
- Reliable data for ergonomic design and improved product fit
- More accurate sizing systems and grading rules
- Better alignment of product design with real consumer body shapes
- Reduced development costs and fewer product returns
- Enhanced ability to target specific demographic groups
- Access to realistic 3D avatars for digital design and simulation
Overall, Size NorthAmerica set a new benchmark for anthropometric size surveys, empowering manufacturers to develop safer, better fitting, more comfortable, and more inclusive products for the North American market.
ACCESSING Size NorthAmerica Data
Humanetics' iSize portal, the world's largest database of 3D body scans, enables custom-specific analysis of single country data or of combined regions.
Size NorthAmerica data is also integrated into the RAMSIS software used by ergonomics engineers in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors.
Work with our body data experts to use Size NorthAmerica results for specific projects, avatars, and/or fit form development.
