Body Cathexis and Satisfaction with Fit of Apparel

Abstract

Apparel as the product of standard sizing is reflected in female evaluation of self and body, i.e., body cathexis. This study focused upon body cathexis and the perceptions offit of clothing of 107 female consumers. Responses were measured on three scales: (1) satisfaction with fit of apparel at upper, lower, and total body; (2) satisfaction with fit at specific body sites; and (3) a body cathexis scale developed by Rosen and Ross. Analysis of data indicated satisfaction with overall fit at lower body was less satisfying than at upper body and total body. Satisfaction with fit at specific sites below the waist (hip and thigh) was also generally less satisfying than at sites above the waist (neck and arm). Fashion at the time, close fit at lower body, reflected in blue jeans and slim skirts, no doubt influenced more stringent evaluation of fit at lower body. The body cathexis scores were slightly lower for lower body and lower body sites. Correlation for lower body fit satisfaction and lower body cathexis was statistically significant, confirming a relationship between the respondents' satisfaction with fit and feelings towards personal body.

Overweight boy’s and girl’s experiences with and perception of athletic clothing and its relationship to physical activity participation

“…For these overweight children, poor-fitting clothing, which led to body exposure or the experience of having to custom-order their clothing, sometimes negatively impacted their motivation or desire to participate in physical activity and/or led to a description of their "fat" body parts in a negative fashion. Previous research has looked at adults who perceive their clothing as ill-fitting and found they generate negative feelings about their bodies (LaBat and Delong 1990). This research supports the importance of garment fit to individuals' psychological health across the lifespan.…”

“…Finding garments that fit well was also a frequent problem for adults of different body shapes and sizes (Liechty et al 2009). Adult consumers often blame their bodies instead of the garment when ready-to-wear garments fit poorly (LaBat and DeLong 1990). LaBat and DeLong (1990) found that adults who perceive their clothing as fitting poorly often generate negative feelings about their bodies.…”

“…Adult consumers often blame their bodies instead of the garment when ready-to-wear garments fit poorly (LaBat and DeLong 1990). LaBat and DeLong (1990) found that adults who perceive their clothing as fitting poorly often generate negative feelings about their bodies. Studies reported that overweight and obese adults often missed the benefits of finding fashionable and well-fitting clothing, because brands routinely stocked limited options for the plus-size market, particularly in brick and mortar stores (Peters 2014).…”

The Visual Illusion Using the Adequate Ease Distribution of Jacket Pattern for the Middle Aged Women of Obese Figure

“…바디 이미지는 의복으로 높일 수 있으며, 의 복의 맞음새(fit)와 깊은 관계를 갖는다 (LaBat and DeLong, 1990). 바디 이미지에서 의복의 맞음새 효과는 다양한 체격 을 가진 사람들에 따라 다르게 나타날 수 있다.…”

An innovative teaching approach to product development: creating tennis wear for female baby boomers

“…the abdomen becomes more prominent, the seat flattens, and there is a forward tilt of the head and shoulders (Chumlea et al 1984;Goldsberry et al 1996;Labat and Delong 1990;Reich and Goldsberry 1993;Rosenbald-Walin and Karlsson 1996). Khon (1996) highlighted the importance of providing well-fitting clothing for the older population because of their age-related body changes.…”