Anthropometric fit evaluation of firefighters' uniform pants: A sex comparison

- Female firefighters tended to have negative uniform wearing experiences.
- Significant sex differences were found in subjective evaluations.
- 3D anthropometric data determined specific landmark areas that caused fit issues.
- Substantial fit problems were identified at the hips, leg width, and pants rise.
- The female's lower waist-hip ratio contributed to the poor fit of uniform pants.

This study identified anthropometric fit issues associated with a female firefighter's uniform pants. Eighteen firefighters (nine females and nine males) participated in a multidimensional fit assessment protocol, consisting of a subjective comfort survey, 3D body scanning, and exit interview. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare sex differences in the survey and 3D scan data, along with descriptive and qualitative analyses. Female firefighters showed significantly lower survey ratings on overall satisfaction, perceived comfort, and performance of their turnout pants. Three-dimensional body scan data affirmed anatomical sex differences in baseline body measurements, and determined specific landmark areas that caused discomfort in female firefighters while wearing station and turnout pants. Interview data supported the findings from the quantitative measures. Results demonstrated that female firefighters experienced poorer fit and a higher level of discomfort with their uniform pants than male firefighters. The outcomes of this study suggest scientific evidence of the anthropometric fit problems associated with firefighter PPE, which is anticipated to help policymakers and the manufacturing industry enhance occupational safety regulations and improve fit and sizing systems especially for female firefighters who wear uniforms designed based on the male physique.