Abstract
AbstractThis study has been conducted to investigate the fit issues related to the current apparel pants and jeans sizing system for diverse consumers, identifying body shape differences among ethnic groups. A total of 1335 women in a certain size range (Misses figure type sizes 2–20) were selected in the study. A Misses figure type size category is commonly used for adult women of average proportion and height. First, the body dimension differences among ethnic groups were examined with a single factor analysis of variance. Second, the fit of pants and jeans for the diverse consumers within the same size category was examined with the current standard sizing system, ASTM D5585 for adult female Misses figure type sizes 2–20. Three cases were programmed within a database: When each consumer selects a size for a pair of jeans based on (1) waist size; (2) hip size; and (3) waist height (usually pants length). And last, the results were analysed with fit comparison plots. Current jean consumers are racially diversified in the US and globally as well. This study revealed that ethnic groups had different fit problems and significant body shape differences. Even within the same figure type size category, a variety of body dimensions existed in each ethnic group. According to the fit problem assessment in this study, consumers within the same body figure type size category could not find the right fit of the pants and jeans within the current sizing system. Half of the female consumers could not find a garment to fit based on waist height (pants length) because the current sizing systems overlooked the effect of diverse consumers. This study will be useful for standardizing organizations to modify current sizing systems for diverse ethnic consumer groups as a demographic factor so that apparel companies could provide better quality of fit for their consumers in the global and local market.
Highlights
Jeans and pants are popular apparel items for consumers
This study found that diverse ethnic groups had different fit problems, showing the following significant body dimension differences among ethnic groups:
The Mexican-Americans and Hispanics had a statistically different lower body dimensions in a Misses figure body type size category, showing Mexican-Americans have a bigger waist than other ethnic groups while Hispanics had a smaller waist similar to Asians
Summary
Jeans and pants are popular apparel items for consumers. Between the ages of 35 and 54 years spent $31 billion to dress themselves in 2005, which was a 4.5% increase from the previous year. They were outspent by their daughters and younger sisters, ages 18–34 years, who shopped to the tune of $36.34 billion during the same time period (Nachman, 2005). Jeans drove 75% of the denim market in 1998, accounting for the largest growth in women’s denim apparel. Jeans sales still remain mostly about the young, older consumers are adopting jeans
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