Abstract
The purpose of this study is to establish a standard sizing system for Taekwondo uniforms. The sample utilized in the study consisted of 5,679 male and female subjects, obtained from Size Korea Project. Twenty three measurements were identified and selected as critical in the design and construction of Taekwondo uniforms. The results were as follows: First, it was determined that all brands used "height" as a key dimension of size designation. Two of brands added "chest girth" or "numeric numbers" to designate size in addition to "height". For example: 1) height/chest girth, 2) height/numeric number. The size pitches of all current Taekwondo uniforms in the market were 10cm of height for all brands. Second, the study showed male measurements were larger and longer than females, establishing that independent sizing specifications by sexes are needed. Third, in case of Taekwondo shirts, height and chest girth were selected as control dimensions. In case of pants, height and waist girth were selected as control dimensions. For selecting optimal sizing pitch, 2 different pitches of chest girth and waist girth(4cm pitch by KS and 8cm pitch by researchers) were compared, while height pitch was fixed at 10cm. Fourth, based on the analysis of the measurements(coverages and coverage efficiency rates), it was determined that 8cm pitches of chest and waist girth were efficient in both upper and lower Taekwondo uniforms. Fifth, subjects distribution counts and percentages were shown after analyzing coverage efficiency rates. Separate results are noted for the upper and lower Taekwondo uniforms. As previously mentioned, height pitches were 10cm and chest and waist pitches were 8cm. Finally, as a result of this research, key and referable measurements relevant to making Taekwondo uniforms were identified for male and female uniform. In case of Taekwondo shirts, 18 sizes were established for men, 16 sizes for women. Twenty five sizes for men and 20 sizes for women were presented in size tables for pants.
