Analysis of upper physical characteristics based on angle measurements

Body-shape analysis has been used in fields such as anthropology, anthropometry, and medicine. Apparel producers also use anthropometric methods, attempting to incorporate physical characteristics into apparel patterns to improve garment fit. The purpose of this study was to quantify upper physical characteristics of 103 female college students whose shoulder slope, bust prominence, back curvature, and acromion placement were measured using a 3D body scanner and two software systems. Analysis of the angle data shows that landmark definitions vary in the apparel and anthropometry fields and that the left/right angles of shoulder slope, bust prominence, back curvature, and acromion placement are asymmetrical. Also certain physical variations are correlated with one another. Future research may focus on using angle measurements to develop stimuli for investigating body shapes, predicting intake of bust, back, and waist darts on block patterns, and evaluating how standing posture affects apparel fit.