The purpose of this study was to determine whether women aged 65
and older are wearing sweatshirts and sweatpants for activewear, and, if so,
to investigate the types of activities they are worn for, reasons for wearing,
feature preferences, and fitting problems. While sweatshirts and sweatpants
have been popularly worn by younger generations, there is little published
research on their wear by the elderly. A convenience sample of 222 female
members aged 65 and older taken from 34 Family and Community Education
(FCE) extension study groups within four counties in the Willamette Valley of
western Oregon was used in the research. A questionnaire-survey was
administered at FCE meetings to provide quantitative and qualitative data.
Eighty-three percent or 185 participants affirmatively answered to
wearing either sweatshirts, sweatpants, or both garments of sweats attire.
The largest percentage of respondents (43%) reported they "Usually wear
sweatshirts and sometimes wear sweatpants".
Activities with the highest frequency cited by respondents for wearing
sweats attire included (in descending order): (a) exercise, (b) home-based
indoor activities and situations, and (c) outdoor activities and situations.
During the winter, 79% of the participants wore sweats attire frequently (a
minimum of 2-3 times per week). Extremely important reasons cited for
wearing sweats attire were "Warmth" and "Easy to care for or launder".
The most highly desired features in sweats attire included: pullover
sweatshirts with raglan sleeves, sweatpants with an elastic waistband and
pockets, medium thick/medium weight, cotton/manufactured fiber blends,
fleece interior, and muted colors that hide soil. Clothing size was more
frequently related to these preferences than health status or age.
Excess lengths of sleeves and pant legs, and tight, high necklines were
the most frequent fitting problems cited. ANOVA and Newman-Keuls Multiple
Comparison Procedure were used to analyze relationships. Poor health status
and increased fitting problems showed a statistically significant relationship at
p���.01.
Sweats attire provoked either very positive or very negative written
comments. Non-wearing participants reacted negatively to the appearance
and warmth of sweats attire, whereas, wearing-participants reacted strongly
to benefits of comfort and warmth. Practical for lifestyle and easy
manageability when dressing and undressing were also high considerations for
positive respondents. Additional uses cited by respondents for sweats attire
included sleepwear.
The findings imply that sweats attire is frequently worn by active, older
Oregon women for casual, familiar activities, situations, and environments. Also
implied is the need for manufacturers and retailers to recognize the diversity of
this heterogeneous population. Stereotypical images and clothing styles can be
challenged to address the elderly population's needs for clothing comfort and
current style, while offering functionality with such special features as extra
pockets; shorter lengths with adequate torso ease; wider, lower necklines for
postural changes; light weight fabrics with warmth; and easy-care finishes. / Graduation date: 1995
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/35155 |
| Date | 26 January 1995 |
| Creators | Berman, Laura G. |
| Contributors | Koester, Ardis W. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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