From Stout to Plus: Identifying the Evolution of Apparel Sizing for Larger Consumers from1913 to 1993

Mary Katherine Daniels; Pamela Ulrich

Historic

From Stout to Plus: Identifying the Evolution of Apparel Sizing for Larger Consumers from1913 to 1993

Authors: Mary Katherine Daniels (Auburn University) , Pamela Ulrich (Auburn University)

Abstract

Ongoing discourse regarding women’s apparel sizing standards, or lack thereof, reflects a collective sense of confusion both within industry and amongst consumers (DesMarteau, 2000; Kennedy, 2009; Schofield & LaBat, 2005). This confusion over sizing has been shown to lead to consumer frustrations with the fit of clothing, with plus size consumers experiencing a great amount of difficulty (Petrov & Ashdown, 2012). Issues of apparel sizing and fit and a plus size market are not a recent phenomenon. However, discourse regarding demographic trends that contribute to this growing segment has become increasingly pertinent in recent years.

Keywords: apparel, sizing, women’s, historic

How to Cite: Daniels, M. & Ulrich, P. (2013) “From Stout to Plus: Identifying the Evolution of Apparel Sizing for Larger Consumers from1913 to 1993”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings. 70(1).