A study of body measurements relating to the fit of clothing for 65 to 74 year old women

Abstract

Survey questionnaires were utilized to solicit information from women between the ages of 65 and 74 who were in attendance at senior citizens' meetings. Primary objectives of the survey questionnaire were (1) to identify an optimum size range (most frequently occurring size) on which to base the measurement portion of the study, (2) to solicit information regarding the fit of clothing, and (3) to seek information regarding garment alterations required by these women. From the eighty-eight respondents, a purposive sample of twenty-one women between the ages of 65 and 74, and falling within optimum size identified in Phase I of the study, was selected for measurement. Fifty-six measurements were made on each subject. The measurements were statistically analyzed and compared with the standard size 12 used by pattern companies and the ready-to-wear industry. The women in this study, by and large, were heavier and shorter than the reference size twelve to which they were compared.