HOHENSTEIN INSTITUTE An Innovative Approach to Bra Sizing

In 2013, American underwear manufacturer Jockey International announced in spring 2013 that it had launched a new sizing system for its bras, working off the basis that 80% of women have major problems finding the correct bra size for them. This is not just a problem in the United States but a global problem. Badly fitting bras, apart from being extremely uncomfortable, can also lead to health problems such as arm and shoulder problems or backache.
The Hohenstein Institute, a German research organization, has carried out an exciting research project with the aim of developing a new system that would allow bra cup sizes to be developed according to body shape and breast volume. The project was launched following the principle that making underwear that fits properly for all women is not possible under the current system. Their study used the latest 3D technology and sought to find answers to three key questions, "Which body parameters affect cup size?", "What kind of anthropometric process is required to determine cup volume reliably?" and " How can cup sizes be assigned accurately, taking account the actual volume of the breast?" The results of the survey indicated that making underwear that fits properly for women of all sizes, bodies and ages is not possible using the current system as women's body sizes vary too much. Hohenstein's solution includes developing a new method that allows the cup size to be determined in relation to breast volume. This can be used to supplement and update existing traditional size charts. The researchers also developed virtual 3D cup models for visualizing cup sizes and used them to construct "volume-based 3D basic patterns."Overwhelmingly, the results show that there is no one-cup-fits-all solution and we need to start approaching sizing in new and always more innovative ways.Find a full report on this exciting study in the next edition of The Best of Intima!