Search

Purpose: Body positivity movement empowered plus-size women globally to speak up boldly about their clothing needs. Retailers cannot satisfy this group with some classic style offerings anymore. By taking clue from existing literature, this study aims to identify clothing preferences and problems related to ready-made plus-size clothing in India. Although many past literature pointed out about poorly fitted and size unavailability issues worldwide, very few of them addressed about clothing style preferences. Design/methodology/approach: A self-administered close-ended questionnaire was used to answer a set of objectives. A pilot study with 40 plus-size women was carried out to check the reliability and validity of the instrument. Four hundred subject's data were gathered from six Indian cities with a purpose of varied geographical importance. Statistical tests like binomial distribution was used to analyze fit-related problems of 12 bodily sites such as shoulder, upper arm, lower arm, bust, waist, stomach, abdomen, hip, thigh, lower leg, armhole and elbow, and frequency charts were used to examine Likert scale data of sizing problems. The choices of 12 clothing styles were mapped through four factors which affect the purchasing decision of a plus-size woman. Findings: Poor-fitted clothes at 10 body sites out of the 12 reflected about the fit aspect of plus-size clothing in India. Findings associated to sizing issues like unavailability of trendy clothes in appropriate sizes, which also adorn Indian curvy figure, shows synonymy to the worldwide researcher's findings related to sizing chaos. Classic silhouettes like Straight Indian kurti, A-line dresses and regular-fit trousers were majorly preferred by women. Hiding body bulges was mostly preferred while purchasing loose-fitted garments, and fitted garments were preferred only if these suits to the curvy body proportion. Appropriate fit and size availability are always a prime requisite for this class of women. Originality/value: The outcomes of research will help Indian retailers/manufacturers to update their patterns in order to provide desired fit. In this lacuna of standard size chart, the study will add value in the development of Indian plus-size women's size chart. The factor mapping with clothing preferences will be useful to reduce rejections and inventories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess adolescents' attitudes, satisfaction, and practices regarding their body image across body mass index (BMI) categories., Methods: In this cross-sectional survey (2019-2020), we recorded anthropometry of 2,089 girls and boys between 13 and 17 years from semi-urban schools in western India. Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) was used for multidimensional attitudinal assessment of body image and weight-related variables. The Stunkard scale was used to assess body shape perception., Results: In higher age categories, boys were more satisfied with their appearance (p=0.012, p linearity=0.001), cared more about grooming (p=0.007, p linearity=0.001), and regarded themselves more physically fit (p=0.003, p linearity 0.030 up to 16 years). Boys with normal BMI were more satisfied with their appearance (p=0.001), fitness (p=0.024), and more alert about symptoms of illness (p<0.000) than others. With increasing BMI, older girls and boys were more preoccupied with their weight and perceived themselves to be heavier (p=0.001). A majority of underweight girls perceived their weight as normal. Students engaged in weight loss practices irrespective of their BMI category. Boys wanted a bigger, and girls a smaller body shape than their current shape. We found body shape dissatisfaction in 66.4 % adolescents, more in boys than in girls (p=0.001)., Conclusions: Body shape dissatisfaction is quite common among semiurban adolescents, with boys outnumbering girls. BMI, age, and sex are associated with weight perception and attitude toward body image. Unindicated weight loss practices are prevalent., (© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

The study is conducted to examine whether actual body shape, perceived body shape and gender role identity have any influence on depression symptoms amongst young adults in Indian culture. The age group being examined ranged from 20-25 years, as this is a crucial phase in our culture as people seek both professional and interpersonal settlements. The actual body shape was calculated by using BMI index, the perceived body shape was inferred through Body shape questionnaire, sex role identity was also measured through BEM sex role inventory and for depression. Beck depression inventory was used. A positive correlation was obtained between BMI and Body shape i.e. as the BMI increased the scores on body shape also increased which showed lack of satisfaction, though gender role concerns were identical amongst all female in all three categories according to BMI, all rated highly for female traits with means of 5.0, 4.99, and 4.96 respectively. We found a positive correlation between depressive symptoms with increased body image dissatisfaction. These results can be implicated in the high school education system for a better body image formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess proportion of adolescents perceiving their body image as normal and to study association between body shape, self-esteem and body mass index; each with body image perception.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among pre university college (PUC) students of Udupi taluk. A total of 550 students in the age group of 15-19y were randomly selected from 11 PUC's: four were taken from government and unaided strata respectively and three from aided. The PUC's were selected based on proportional allocation from a total of 48 PUC's. From each PUC a class was randomly chosen as a cluster; all students in the class were included. Body shape questionnaire and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used to assess body shape concerns and self-esteem respectively. Height and weight was measured and body mass index was calculated. SPSS version 15 has been used for analysis. Results were tabulated using frequency distribution and proportions. Multinomial logistic regression was done.Results: About 38 % of the respondents perceived their body image as normal. Body shape [OR = 0.48,95 % CI: 0.305, 0.76], self-esteem [OR = 6.12,95 % CI: 2.76, 13.9] and body mass index [OR = 4.65,95 % CI: 2.13,10.12] were found to be independently associated with body image perception.Conclusions: Educational institutes are a major component of adolescent's lives; the identified factors for body image perception should be taken into consideration and appropriate educational efforts to be incorporated into the routine curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of anthropometric dimensions is necessary for the development of garment patterns. In countries like India, where retailing is expected to see an unprecedented growth in the next few years, the success or failure of a brand depends on the fit of clothing that is offered to consumers. In this study, more than 500 college students from 18-26 years of age were measured. 29 body measurements were recorded and statistically analyzed for the development of upper- and lower-body garment patterns. The entire population was classified into 15 groups on the basis of height and weight which can serve as the basis of developing an accurate sizing system for ready-made garments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]