Men's Body Area Shape Analysis and Outdoor Performance Clothing Fit Preferences and Issues

Abstract

The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to examine how BMI, height, and age of men related to eight body shape area shapes of men using quantitative data from SizeUSA (study 1); (2) to study men’s fit preferences in outdoor performance clothing in relation to their BMI, height, and age through the analysis of qualitative data from four focus group interviews (study 2). Results of study 1 revealed that: (1) erect posture, flat seat, prominent seat, bow legs, prominent calf, prominent bicep, and abdomen prominence significantly differed by BMI; (2) erect posture, stooped posture, flat seat, prominent seat, and prominent bicep significantly differed by height; and (3) erect posture, stooped posture, flat seat, prominent seat, prominent calf, prominent bicep, and abdomen prominence significantly differed by age. Results of study 2 revealed the following themes and sub-themes were influenced by BMI, height, and age of men: fit (pant crotch, seat, hip fit; shirt proportion and fit; pant waist fit; pant leg fit), length (sleeve length; body length; leg length), and size (inconsistent sizing across brands; inconsistent sizing within a brand; ‘Big and Tall’ sizing).