A Phenomenological Exploration of the Apparel Sizing Practice of Small Womenswear Businesses

Abstract

Inconsistent garment sizing has plagued the apparel industry from its inception. Solutions to the problem require large anthropometric databases and advanced skills in statistical analysis, which small businesses have no access to or training in. To give a voice to those engaged in sizing practice, this study conducted a phenomenological inquiry into six small womenswear business’ experiences regarding sizing practice. Findings suggest three major influences on sizing practice: Financial Resources, Experience, and Designer Mindset; and three themes are presented regarding how decisions about sizing are incorporated into the apparel design process: Timing of Decisions, Fit Model, and Design Intent. This study concludes with suggestions for how to incorporate technical design and entrepreneurship into apparel design curricula to better serve the student interested in design entrepreneurship, suggestions for easy improvement of sizing practice for small womenswear businesses, as well as suggestions for future research in sizing.