Date of Graduation

5-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Human Environmental Science (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

General Human Environmental Sciences

Advisor/Mentor

Apple, Laurie M.

Committee Member

Smith, Kathleen R.

Second Committee Member

Fitzpatrick, Kevin M.

Keywords

Social sciences; Communication and the arts; Applied sciences; Health and environmental sciences; Apparel; Consumer perceptions; Fit; Garment; Satisfaction; Technical design

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to first, determine whether Walmart, Inc. customers are purchasing the correct size garments for their body measurements, and their perceptions of the fit of Walmart, Inc. clothing prior to trying on the current block garments. The next objective was to determine which factors influence fit satisfaction after the participants have tried on the current block garments. Hypothesis 1 tested participants' perceived size and their actual size, Hypothesis 2 tested participants' pre and post try-on fit satisfaction perceptions, and Hypothesis 3, 4, and 5 tested which factors have a significant effect on garment fit satisfaction. Through the utilization of a 3D body scanner and two questionnaires, the hypotheses were tested.

There were a total of 55 usable responses (100% female), and all participants were Walmart, Inc. consumers. Participants were found to purchase the incorrect size garments more often than the correct size garments based on the results. Fit satisfaction increased post garment try-on from pre garment try-on. Age, garment type, and size were all statistically significantly influencing factors on fit satisfaction for shirts. Only garment type was found to be a statistically significant influencing factor on fit satisfaction for pants.

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