Date of Graduation

8-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development

Advisor/Mentor

Hubert, Stephanie

Committee Member/Reader

Wamsley, Dene

Committee Member/Second Reader

Bailey, Mechelle

Abstract

The apparel industry in the United States of America lacks a unified size chart. This inconsistency allows vanity sizing and individual retailers to preside over the systematic regulations of sizing. The bridal industry is the singular industry that is not affected by vanity sizing in the United States, which causes a plethora of issues when coupled with the media’s thin ideal and push of certain body standards.

The project utilized four sections of literature review: regarding sizing inconsistency, mass media and size dysphoria, United States standard of sizing, and brides and weight loss. Additionally, four different size charts from four different areas of the apparel industry were evaluated (American Eagle Outfitters for streetwear, Lululemon for athleisure, Walmart for big box, and Bella Boutique for bridal), as well as two charts from the Washington Post that showed how sizing has changed in the United States since the 1950s.

Upon review of the literature and analysis of the size charts and graphs, a new sizing chart was created. This modernized chart averages the four previously mentioned ones, to give a more standardized scale for brides. The chart was then evaluated, weaknesses were discussed, and ideas to expand upon it were given to be considered for future research and projects.

The need for the project was established in an attempt to better regulate sizing in the bridal industry in the United States of America, to help brides in their preparatory stage of the wedding. The intent of giving them a standardized size chart hopes to also help with their mental health in regard to body positivity, and to better the gown try on process and avoid the startling statistics seen in the literature review about brides and desired weight loss.

To complete the project, a first-hand knowledge of the bridal industry, apparel industry, apparel production, pattern production, and computer aided design was utilized, as well as skill in Microsoft Excel, research and analysis, and basic mathematics. Overall, the project’s primary objectives of understanding the lack of universal sizing in the United States and attempting to solve the issue by creating an averages Misses sizing chart for brides were completed, with visions of expanding on the project in the future outlined.

Keywords

bridal industry; bridal sizing; size chart; apparel; wedding

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