Apparel sizing & Anthropometric sizing may be different.
If you’ve recently been scanned with a Fit3D body scanner (SNAP or ProScanner), you might have noticed that your waist measurement doesn’t match the size listed on your favorite pair of pants. This is a common question, and understanding the differences between body measurements and clothing sizes can provide clarity.
1. What Does Fit3D Measure?
Fit3D captures precise, anatomical measurements of your body using 3D imaging technology. When we refer to your "waist," we’re measuring the smallest circumference of your torso, typically located above your belly button and below your ribcage. This measurement is an exact physical dimension of your body, unaffected by clothing or fit preferences.
2. What Do Pants Sizes Represent?
Pants sizes, on the other hand, are not standardized and often vary by brand, style, and even country. Manufacturers may use vanity sizing, where the labeled size is smaller than the actual measurement to appeal to consumers. Additionally, pants are designed to fit at different parts of your body, such as your hips or lower waist, which may not correspond to the anatomical waist measurement captured by Fit3D.
3. Key Reasons for the Difference
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Measurement Location: Fit3D measures the anatomical waist, while pants often fit lower on the body, closer to the hips. This may also be the result of people physically measuring you on the body at a different point or angle. There is a lot of variation here.
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Vanity Sizing: Many clothing brands use smaller numbers to describe larger measurements.
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Stretch and Style: Modern pants often include stretch materials or are cut to fit loosely, making the labeled size less reflective of your actual dimensions.
4. Why This Difference Matters
Understanding the distinction between body measurements and clothing sizes is essential for tracking progress, particularly if you’re on a fitness or body transformation journey. Fit3D measurements provide a consistent and accurate way to monitor changes over time, regardless of variations in clothing sizes.
Fit3D measurements are very consistent due to computer vision. We don't have the same level of bias or inconsistency from human factors.
5. How to Use Your Fit3D Measurements
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Focus on the trends and changes in your Fit3D scan results rather than comparing them to clothing sizes.
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Use your measurements to guide custom tailoring or to understand your body’s proportions better.
By recognizing the difference between anatomical measurements and clothing sizes, you can leverage your Fit3D data for more accurate insights into your health and fitness progress!