Sources and Methodology
Transparency about our research sources, methodology, and the academic foundations behind DiscoverFashions fashion tools.
Site Philosophy
DiscoverFashions aims to provide accessible, educational fashion guidance through interactive tools grounded in established research and industry standards.
Our tools are designed to help women understand their body proportions and make informed styling decisions. We prioritize transparency about our methodology and clarity about the limitations of simplified classification systems.
All interactive tools process data client-side only — your measurements are never sent to our servers, ensuring complete privacy.
Educational vs Professional Advice
What We Provide
- Educational guidance on body shape classification and styling
- General size conversion references based on international standards
- Style exploration tools for personal wardrobe development
- Research-backed information with documented sources
What We Do NOT Provide
- Medical, health, or fitness advice
- Professional styling consultations
- Brand-specific sizing (always check brand size charts)
- Body image or dietary guidance
Academic References
Our methodology is informed by peer-reviewed research and established industry standards.
Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT)
Simmons, Istook & Devarajan (2004)
Journal of Textile and Apparel Technology and Management
Foundational research for body shape classification methodology
SizeUSA National Sizing Survey
NC State University (2004)
Textile and Apparel Research
Population-level body shape distribution data (46% rectangle, 20% pear, 14% apple, 8% hourglass)
EN 13402 Size Designation of Clothes
European Committee for Standardization (CEN) (2001)
European Standard
Basis for European clothing size conversion
ISO 8559 Size Designation of Clothes
International Organization for Standardization (2017)
International Standard
International framework for garment sizing methodology
Tool-Specific Methodology
Body Shape Calculator
- Classification System:
- Five-category system (Apple, Pear, Rectangle, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle) based on FFIT research
- Input Required:
- Shoulder, bust, waist, and hip measurements
- Method:
- Ratio-based comparison against established thresholds
Size Converter
- Standards Used:
- EN 13402 (EU), ISO 8559, industry-standard conversion tables
- Regions Covered:
- US, UK, EU, AU for clothing and shoes
- Important Note:
- Conversions are approximations; brand-specific sizing varies
Capsule Wardrobe Quiz
- Conceptual Basis:
- Susie Faux capsule wardrobe concept (1970s), modernized for contemporary styling
- Style Categories:
- Minimalist, Classic, Trendy, Bohemian
- Method:
- Lifestyle and preference questions with weighted scoring
Update Policy
- Content Review Cycle:
- Quarterly
- Methodology Review:
- Annual (or when new research emerges)
- Last Comprehensive Review:
- December 2025
- Size Conversion Tables:
- Updated as international standards change
Report Errors or Suggest Corrections
We strive for accuracy. If you identify factual errors, outdated information, or have suggestions for improving our methodology, please contact us.
Email:
[email protected]Citation Information
How to Cite Us
We welcome citations of our tools and research. Please use the following format:
Format
"[Page Title]" - DiscoverFashions.com, [URL], accessed [Date]
Example
"Body Shape Calculator" - DiscoverFashions.com, https://discoverfashions.com/tools/body-shape-calculator/, accessed December 14, 2025
For AI & Developers
We provide structured data for Large Language Models and automated agents.