A New Chapter for WEAR: Expanded Mission, Resources, and OpportunitiesOctober 31, 2026 | WEAR Institute News The WEAR Institute is pleased to announce the launch of its redesigned website, expanded online data collection, and new programs supporting research, education, and human-centered product development. For many years, WEAR has served the international research and design community by preserving and providing access to valuable historical anthropometric data. That commitment remains central to the organization's mission. WEAR recognizes the researchers, scientists, institutions, and organizations whose contributions of data, expertise, and support have helped build and preserve this unique collection. Their work provides the foundation for WEAR's continued development. Today, WEAR is building upon that legacy with an expanded mission focused on improving product fit, functionality, safety, and performance through applied research, technical resources, professional education, and global collaboration. Expanded Access to Historical DataWEAR maintains an extensive collection of historical human measurement data, including one-dimensional anthropometric surveys and three-dimensional body scans representing civilian, military, and occupational populations. The redesigned online store is now fully operational, providing researchers, designers, educators, and organizations with convenient access to these resources. Datasets are available through individual purchases or annual membership programs. Educational institutions can also obtain institutional memberships supporting access for faculty, researchers, and students. WEAR's objective is to make these valuable resources more accessible while ensuring their long-term preservation, maintenance, and continued development. Explore the Data CollectionA Broader Mission for WEARWEAR is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving an international community of researchers, engineers, designers, educators, and industry professionals. Building upon its historical data resources, WEAR is expanding its activities in five principal areas:
These initiatives reflect WEAR's commitment to connecting scientific knowledge with practical applications in product design, engineering, safety, and performance. Supporting Our Nonprofit MissionMaintaining historical datasets, improving documentation, developing educational resources, and supporting international research collaboration require ongoing financial resources. WEAR's online donation program is now operational, providing individuals, companies, and institutions with an opportunity to support these activities. As a recognized U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, WEAR may receive charitable contributions that are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by U.S. law. Revenue generated through memberships, dataset purchases, technical services, and charitable donations supports the organization's educational and charitable mission. Support Our MissionLeadership and GovernanceWEAR's expanded activities are guided by its Board of Directors, bringing together international expertise in engineering, human factors, scientific research, business leadership, and nonprofit financial management. The Board provides strategic direction, financial oversight, and organizational governance, helping ensure that WEAR's resources and activities advance its nonprofit mission. The newly published Board of Directors page introduces the individuals guiding WEAR through this next phase of development. Building on Our LegacyWEAR's future is built upon decades of scientific research and the contributions of individuals and institutions committed to improving our understanding of human size, shape, and function. By preserving these resources while expanding education, technical services, and international collaboration, WEAR seeks to make this knowledge increasingly useful to researchers, designers, manufacturers, and educators around the world. We invite longtime supporters and new participants alike to explore our expanded resources, contribute their expertise, and participate in WEAR's continued development. Glen Courtright Better Fit. Better Function. Better Products |