Suitable range for ease allowance and appearance of women’s shirts

Abstract

We investigated the suitable range for ease allowance with ready-made women's shirts in two different styles using a sensory test for evaluating appearance. We employed two women's shirts (samples I and II) in different styles (fit and straight). We modified the size of the bust, waist, and hips with a changeable-size dress form; we took pictures from the front of the dress form wearing a shirt. Using those pictures, we conducted a sensory test for evaluating appearance. The study participants made their evaluations using seven terms (wrinkles, fit, silhouette, beauty, fashionable, comfort, and purchase intention) with a five-point scale (-2 to 2). The subjects were 20 Japanese university students in their 20s. The proportion of subjects who scored 1 or more was 40% or greater when using ease allowance in the suitable range. With sample I, the suitable range of ease allowance for the bust was 1-7 cm, for the hips 2-6 cm, and for the waist 13 cm. However, with sample II, the suitable range of ease allowance was about 4 cm for all parts. Thus, the suitable range of ease allowance varied according to the style and part of the shirt. Our results provide a guideline for designing and selecting ease allowance for women's shirts, taking into account both comfort and purchase intention.