An exploratory study of participants’ fit perceptions of customized garments

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore participants’ fit perceptions of customized garments and investigate the factors that affected the customized fit. Design/methodology/approach Because different patternmaking methods generate varied fit results, eight customized dresses were developed for four fit models aged 18–25 using two different made-to-measure (MTM) systems (Gerber AccuMark and Telestia Creator). The authors designed a questionnaire to assess the fit of the final garments on each of the four models. A total of 12 participants (four fit models and eight experts) attended a live evaluation meeting and completed the questionnaire. The quantitative and qualitative data of the participants’ fit perceptions were collected and analyzed. Findings The authors compared the fit outputs of the two MTM systems and determined the fit issues from the participants’ perceptions. The results showed that the participants evaluated the customized fit mainly according to the ease, seam placement and wrinkle occurrence. The majority of fit models and experts preferred Dress B created using Telestia Creator to Dress A developed using Gerber AccuMark. The participants’ fit perceptions also revealed that many factors, such as the MTM systems, participants’ fit preferences, models’ body characteristics, fabric and ease, impacted the fit results. In addition, the experts perceived more fit issues than the models. Originality/value The fit output comparison of the two MTM systems could be valuable for pattern makers to use the systems. The research results would also be useful for apparel companies to conduct a fit evaluation and improve their customization processes.

Body characteristics, garment fit satisfaction and fit preferences of Ethiopian young adult female consumers

“…Furthermore, diverse results were found regarding the effect of body characteristics, frequency of encountering fit problems and fit satisfaction on the fit preferences of the four RTW garments. BMI had no significant effect on the fit preferences of the respondents in four of the RTW garments which is consistent with Guo and Istook (2022) in lower-body garments but disagrees with Newcomb and Istook (2011) in upper garments. The size of garments the respondents wear affected fit preferences in T-shirts and jeans trousers, which is in agreement with Newcomb and Istook (2011) in casual tops.…”

“…BMI was also found to be a significant predictor of men's polo shirt fit (Bizuneh et al, 2023). However, Guo and Istook (2022) found that BMI had no significant effect on the fit preference of women's dresses.…”

Whole body shapes and fit problems among overweight and obese men in the United States

“…In their study, overweight men tended to frequently mention about the fit of their pants in the crotch, seat and hip areas, as well as the fit and sizing inconsistencies of their shirts (Stewart et al , 2014). Recently, Guo and Istook (2021) developed a 7-point scale of perceived fit preference from wearers (from −3: terrible to 3: excellent). Although the scale (Guo and Istook, 2021) was developed to evaluate dresses, it can be used to measure perceived fit preference for other types of clothing for men.…”

“…Ashdown et al , 2006). Later, Guo and Istook (2021) used the scale of subjective fit preference developed in the study to objectively evaluate garment fit by experts in both live and photographed fit evaluation processes.…”

“…Recently, Guo and Istook ( 2021) developed a 7-point scale of perceived fit preference from wearers (from À3: terrible to 3: excellent). Although the scale (Guo and Istook, 2021) was developed to evaluate dresses, it can be used to measure perceived fit preference for other types of clothing for men. Sindicich and Black (2011) examined fit issues of men's ready-to-wear clothing as it related to sizing and overall body composition.…”