Preferences for Aesthetic Attributes in Clothing as a Function of Body Image, Body Cathexis and Body Size

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between physical and psychosocial attributes of the body, and aesthetic attribute preferences in clothing. Building upon a clothing comfort model, the purpose is to determine whether women's aesthetic response to apparel is related to their body size, body cathexis and body image and if so, to provide insight into underlying patterns of similarity in their response. An Internet survey was administered to a random sample of 199 female undergraduate students. The results indicated that body image and body cathexis had a negative linear relationship with aesthetic preference in styling, implying that lower body image and body cathexis correlate with preference for greater body coverage through clothing and vice versa. Body size showed a positive linear association with styling preferences, implying that increase in body size correlates with preference for greater body coverage in clothing and vice versa. Theoretical, methodological and practical implications are discussed.