Women 55 Years and Older: Part II. Overall Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction with the Fit of Ready-to-Wear

Abstract

Using the data collected through interview questions, Part II of this nationwide study on women 55 years and older examined factors which might be related to older women's overall satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the fit of ready-to-wear. In general, 70% (n = 4,086) of the respondents indicated dissatisfaction with the fit of ready-to-wear, while 31% (n = 1,826) indicated satisfaction. By using chi-square analyses, these two groups were then compared on demographics, clothing buying practices, and self-reported clothing problem locations. The majority of variables significantly differentiated the satisfied and the dissatisfied group. More dissatisfied consumers tended: (a) to be younger (e.g., 55-to-65 age category); (b) to be in the higher income category; (c) to be Caucasian; (d) to buy clothes mostly at discount/off-price stores, at department stores and through mail-order/catalog as compared to at specialty store/boutique or by custom-made/home sewing; (e) to live in the west coast area; and (f) to buy commercial patterns but to be dissatisfied with the fit of commercial patterns as well. The actual figure type purchased (e.g., Misses, Misses Petite) in ready-to-wear also was a significant factor affecting the older women's satisfaction level. Those who identified problems with each of the 15 body or garment locations had a greater dissatisfaction level with the fit of ready-to-wear than those who did not have problems. By using logistic regression analyses, some selected body measurements were found to be significant predictors of older women's satisfaction with the fit of ready-to-wear.