Fit satisfaction of active-wear apparel : experiences of plus-size females in Cape Town

Abstract

This study underpins the findings of an investigation that inclusive designs of active-wear should be considered by clothing manufacturers and local designers to accommodate plus-size women’s body shapes and sizes. This research investigates the validity of an assumption that plus-size women are experiencing problems with fit, including clothing choices and alternatives, perceptions around aesthetics and purchasing behaviour pertaining to active-wear offered by clothing retailers. This research gathered information using both a qualitative online survey given to plus-size females, and practice-led research whereby the researcher developed a prototype to answer the research question through an iterative process. Factors affecting fit were investigated in this study as well addressing the needs of plus-size women to promote body positivity image. A garment comparison study of active-wear was explored, where the researcher observed and analysed active-wear currently available in stores and conducted a fitting process with plus-size women to identify problem areas regarding fit that could be improved in the development of the prototypes. Factors affecting fit were investigated by examining the current fit, analysing current sizing systems, and testing fabrics used in the design development of the prototype range. The prototype range was evaluated and found to have boosted self-confidence and motivated plus-size women, thereby enhancing body positivity image. Lastly, this research addresses the needs of plus-size women by proposing universal design principles to design inclusive active-wear specifically, and other clothing in general, to accommodate Afro-centric South African women with African body shapes. The literature and the findings from this research have showed evidence that South African clothing retailers use the clothing sizing system from Western countries and that affects how clothing fits - typical South African women in general, especially plus-size females. There is a need for South African researchers in the clothing and textile industry as well as consumer studies to gather and conduct research on South African body shapes to develop a correct and accurate body sizing system to improve the fit of clothing that is offered to plus-size women. The findings of this study have allowed the researcher to draw possible solutions and recommendations to the research problem and to address the research question. In a way, this study may potentially influence a way of design thinking and encourage the adoption of universal design principles to improve fit to better accommodate all women in South Africa.