Sizing for ethnicity in multi-cultural societies: validation of the size specifications for young South African women of African descent

Abstract

Muthambi et al (2015) proposed size specifications for young South African women of African descent with triangular shaped bodies. This follow-up study aimed to determine whether the size specifications proposed in Muthambi et al (2015) offer South African female students of African descent with triangular body shapes, an improved overall quality of fit. A panel of professionals with experience in apparel fit evaluation evaluated the quality of fit of the test garments. The findings suggest that current South African sizing may not adequately provide young South African women of African descent with a triangular body shape, with an acceptable overall quality of fit. The test garments developed from current South African sizing were found to have a loose fit in the upper body. The proposed test garments were designed to accommodate the larger lower bodies of the participants and thus offered the participants an improved overall quality of fit. Suggestions are made to use the size specifications proposed by Muthambi et al (2015) as a guide to size garments for South African women of African descent with a triangular body shape.