Bodice Pattern Development Using Somatographic and Physical Data

Abstract

Explores the geometric nature of the upper female torso using photographic data, physical measurements, and computer technology to develop bodice patterns. Body measurements, in addition to front and side view photographs, provided data for 12 female subjects participating in the study. These data were used to develop the experimental methodology and a computer program was written to generate sloper patterns for the upper female torso. A conventional pattern drafting method was used to develop hand‐drafted bodice patterns. An evaluation scale, which included 25 fitting criteria, was developed to compare the fit between the experimental and hand‐drafted bodices. For 12 of the 25 items on the scale, the experimental bodices were judged to have a better fit than those produced by the hand‐drafted method; for two items on the scale, the hand‐drafted bodices fit better. No statistically significant differences were found for the remaining items on the fit scale. This methodology shows potential for providing accurate, quickly‐generated bodice patterns.