Abstract
From the time of entering school, the growth measurements of 274 junior high school boys and 137 high school boys were taken every consecutive year for a period of three years. Concurrently the height and chest measurements of 1, 134 high school boys was examined along with their newly purchased uniform size. This data plus HQL (Research Institute of Human Engineering For Quality Life) data (13 year olds-493 boys, 14 year olds-467, 15 year olds-379, 16 year olds-841, 17 year olds-780, 18 year olds-531) totaling 3, 491 high school boys' height and chest measurements were used as the basis for indepth examination. The results are presented below. 1) The JIS (Japan Industrial Standard) average physique measurements of the chest in both junior and senior high school boys were found to be undersized. This was especially the case for high school chest sizes. Therefore, the predetermined JIS sizing system for boys' garments has been found to be unacceptable. 2) About 82% of junior high school students showed a height growth rate of 10-20cm over a three year span. Among high school boys approximately 93% showed growth of up to 5cm over three years. 3) About 76% of junior high school students reported 4cm-9cm in volume of chest growth while approximately 88% of high school students reported chest increase of up to 4cm. 4) Currently school uniforms are purchased with the future growth of the student in mind, however, research results here show the sizing to be improper. 5) New sizes for high school boys' uniforms have been proposed. Results of analysis of the newly proposed sizes for high school boys' uniforms show a 91.9% rate of adaptable fit.
