Design and Product Development

What Are Whole Body Shapes for Plus Sized Women in the United States?: Implications for New Product Development

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to categorize the whole body shapes in overweight and obese (OWOB) female in the United States. Based on K-mean cluster analysis and four principle component (PC) scores, four whole body shapes among OWOB female in the US were categorized: Full bust-curvy, straight-oval, straight-pear, and full bust-tilted. The body shapes were mainly identified based on their side views as three PCs explained the characteristics of their body from the side silhouette and one PC related to the upper body from the front view. The results implied that OWOB female’s whole body shapes were significantly differentiated from the side views. Identifying whole body shapes among OWOB women in the US contributes significantly to apparel companies who target the markets of plus sized women to develop new sizing system and body related literature by filling gaps in missing whole body shape categories among OWOB female.

Keywords: Plus sized

How to Cite:

Saeidi, E. & Shin, E., (2019) “What Are Whole Body Shapes for Plus Sized Women in the United States?: Implications for New Product Development”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 76(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8858