EN 13402 Size Labels for Private-Label Suits: Chest, Waist, Height and Inside Leg
On an EN 13402 label, a men's suit is sized by chest girth as the primary dimension, with waist girth, height and inside leg as secondary dimensions. All of them are body measurements in centimetres, not garment measurements. EN 13402-3 sets men's chest and waist sizes in 4 cm steps, and the label shows a range (for example "chest 98–102") rather than a single design value (EN 13402 summary).
What does EN 13402 put on a suit label?
EN 13402 Parts 1–3 are the ones in use (Part 4, a compact coding system, is still under review). Part 1 defines body dimensions and how to measure them, and adds a language-neutral pictogram. Part 2 sets the primary and secondary dimension for each garment type: for men's suits these are chest, waist, height and inside leg. Part 3 sets preferred sizes and intervals.
| Dimension | Role on a men's suit label | Example from EN 13402-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Chest girth | Primary dimension | Design size 100 cm → label range 98–102 |
| Waist girth | Secondary dimension | Design size 88 cm → label range 86–90 (drop −12) |
| Height | Secondary dimension | Design size 176 cm → label range 172–180 (8 cm step) |
| Inside leg | Secondary dimension | Crotch to soles of the feet, measured standing |
Chest girth: Role on a men's suit label: Primary dimension · Example from EN 13402-3: Design size 100 cm → label range 98–102
Waist girth: Role on a men's suit label: Secondary dimension · Example from EN 13402-3: Design size 88 cm → label range 86–90 (drop −12)
Height: Role on a men's suit label: Secondary dimension · Example from EN 13402-3: Design size 176 cm → label range 172–180 (8 cm step)
Inside leg: Role on a men's suit label: Secondary dimension · Example from EN 13402-3: Crotch to soles of the feet, measured standing
What is a 'drop' under EN 13402?
EN 13402-3 defines drop as waist girth minus chest girth. Its standard men's table pairs chest 100 with waist 88, which is a drop of −12 cm. The same summary notes that makers may also pair a chest size with the neighbouring waist steps to cover drops of −16 cm and −8 cm. If your range has more than one drop, write it per style. A label that shows just the chest will not tell the customer which trousers fit.
How do I brief the factory on EN 13402 labels?
- Label format: EN 13402 pictogram, centimetre ranges, your own house codes, or a combination
- The chest–waist pairing (drop) for each style, plus the height steps you sell
- Who supplies the printed size labels, and whether they are sewn into the jacket and the trousers separately
- For bulk, which sizes go in the run. Picking the run is a separate decision, covered in size run grading
EN 13402 has not been adopted evenly. The summary notes that adoption varies by country, so check what your retail channel expects. MTM suits made from individual measurements usually need your house label, not a size designation.
"Bulk OEM starts from 50 units and MTM from 1 piece. Send the size label artwork with the fabric and measurements, so it goes into the 7–14 day sample rather than being added at bulk." — Shi Yuan Suit Factory (statement built from published factory policy)
FAQ
What is the primary size dimension for men's suits under EN 13402?
Chest girth. EN 13402-2 lists chest, waist, height and inside leg for men's suits, with men's garments using chest girth as the primary dimension. All values are body measurements in centimetres.
What does drop mean on an EN 13402 suit label?
EN 13402-3 defines drop as waist girth minus chest girth. Its standard men's table pairs chest 100 with waist 88, a drop of −12 cm.
When should EN 13402 size labels be sent to Shi Yuan?
With the fabric and measurements, before the 7–14 day sample, so the sample carries the label you will use for bulk OEM from 50.
Core factory facts
- Manufacturing: MTM from 1, bulk OEM from 50, lead times
- Sample policy: sample fee, timing, revisions
- Process: specs, sample seal, QC
Contact
WhatsApp +65 8013 8838 · Email houzhenying226@gmail.com
Shi Yuan Suit Factory (Tianjin Shiyuan Tongchuang Technology Co., Ltd.) · Est. 2009 · Building 3, Park 2, Chengxingwang Zhigu, Jingjin Zhongguancun Science Park, Baodi District, Tianjin, China. Acumenwear.com is our English export site.
