Changing Demographics

Sizing for Over 55

Sirvart Mellian

Summary by Stacy M. White 

Sirvart Mellian, of the U.S. Navy Textiles and Clothing Research Department in Natick, Massachusetts, knows what the older population wants and needs in their clothing. The over 55 market has become an important one, as this segment is a large portion of today’s population. Seniors have expressed their dissatisfaction in clothing options available to them, so Mellian has investigated the problems and researched how to improve them.

As people age, their bodies go through very specific changes, making it harder for clothing to fit properly. In women, these changes include the forward tilt of the neck and shoulders, back to waist length increase, increase of waist circumference, increase in arm size, and the rise of the hips and abdomen. These changes create certain problem areas for older women: bust, waist, abdomen, and upper arms.

To collect this information, Mellian and the textile subcommittee of the ASTM surveyed and measured 6,692 women in 38 states between June 1991 and May 1992. These statistics provide valuable information about how to resolve sizing issues with the 55 and over market. By also recording personal information such as age, race and income, the committee was able to determine exactly who and what problems exist in this market segment.

Women with higher incomes have a higher dissatisfaction with clothing fit. The highest dissatisfaction with clothing fit was women aged 55-64, because these women are still working and need professional clothing. Fifty percent of the group sew their own clothing, and of this group, forty percent are dissatisfied with the fit of the patterns provided.

The research showed there was not only a large problem with the clothing market for those 55 and older, but that the problems are very specific. Collecting this data and identifying the problem is the first step in correcting it. Devising new sizing systems and standards, and grading patterns by evaluating fit are the next. Finally, by providing manufacturers with these patterns, new sizing systems would be easy to implement.

The military has already begun to use new body measurements to size its uniforms. This makes it easy to not only fit people of all ages, but of all races and body types. Mellian’s research should aid manufacturers in reaching the 55 and over market who have made their demands clear: comfortable, stylish and functional clothing. Clothing with better design than elastic waists will make it fun for seniors to shop, not a chore.