Thesis (M.S.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Vita. Includes survey instruments. Includes bibliographic references (ℓ. 177-187)

Thesis (BTech (Fashion Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010 / A research was conducted in order to assist the Young Fuller Figured Women entering and already working in the corporate environment with clothing for the work environment. This research was conducted so that these women may notice a smaller number of incorrect fitting clothes when they shop for formal wear and also to give them guidance on suitable, elegant and stylish clothes for their body size and shape. Two theories namely: 'dress for success' by John Molloy and 'clothing is a code' by Fred Davis were the guidelines jn discovering, understanding and solving the dress problem for the young full figured women. In order to deal with the problem I had to interview some of these women to understand their challenges and frustration regarding dressing suitably for the corporate environment. The results of the interviews showed that the origin of the problem, are the basic block pattems. This was the solution for most of the garment fitting problems that the young fuller figured women experienced daily. A range was designed to serve as an example of how these women can dress for the corporate environment using various suitable fabrics and colours. This range appears formal and yet has a feminine twist to it, making it suitable for the woman who wants to be taken seriously and yet maintain her femininity and elegance. I hope that this research will be a useful tool for the retailers who currently cater for the fuller fIgured women to assist them with the current garment fitting problems and for the designers who plan to enter the fuller figured market: to enter it cautiously and taking the requirements of their potential customers into consideration If the information in this research is applied clothes that the fuller figured women buy will fit correctly the first time and they will not have to pay extra to alter new garments.

Substantial research on the functionality of athletic apparel has been conducted; however little consideration has been given to the plus size figure. Societal messages suggest that overweight women are lazy and therefore would not be interested in athletic apparel. The purpose of this study was to determine overweight adult women's experience with athletic clothing. The sample consisted of 14 women, ages 30 to 65 who wore size 1X to 3X. They were each supplied with a Nike brand athletic outfit and participated in two in depth interviews. Data collection methods included qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys and guided journaling. The major findings suggest that overweight women have difficulty shopping for clothing. Difficulty and frustration was experienced on a number of levels including; limited stores, limited selection and styles, fitting issues, over-priced items and less color options compared to smaller sizes. The findings suggest overweight women experience emotional anxiety when trying on clothing for the first time. Dissatisfaction with clothing fit was attributed to the belief their body is unsuitable and needs to change. Satisfaction with clothing fit was attributed to the ability of the apparel designer. Many negative experiences have left this sample feeling disappointed and marginalized. Some participant's experienced increased desire to participate in physical activity while others felt exercise was a necessity regardless of the clothing available. By trying on the Nike brand clothing, it gave the women in this study an alternative way of dressing themselves which has enabled several women to feel differently about their size and their body in athletic clothing. The current sample showed behaviors of internalization by using dehumanizing terms to describe body parts. The sample felt discriminated against in the media and wanted to see larger women modeling clothing. Apparel companies should include a wider variety of sizes in their brick and mortar stores as to not alienate a population. Apparel companies should incorporate diverse models into advertisement to include the plus-size population. Proving high quality athletic apparel to plus size women provided an opportunity for them to experience their bodies in a new perspective. Future studies should develop new pattern making, grading and sizing techniques in order to provide better fitting athletic apparel for large size bodies. Studies expanding on fit and comfort of athletic apparel for large bodies should be explored. This paper provides an initial indication of how plus size women experience athletic apparel. Further understanding of clothing, fit and exercise behavior are needed. / Graduation date: 2013 / Access restricted to the OSU Community at author's request from July 18, 2012 - January 18, 2013