Pursuit of Perfection: Exploring Body Image, Sizing, and Sustainability

Abstract

The pursuit for the perfect fit poses a never-ending challenge for countless women, often attributed to discrepancies in clothing sizes (both within the same brand and across different brands), as well as societal pressures to conform to narrow body ideals. Traditional sizing systems, rooted in limited size options and standardized body shapes, exclude individuals outside the perceived norm. However, in exploring these issues, the thesis sheds light on the flaws in these systems, revealing underlying issues of racism and sexism, on top of discrimination against larger body sizes. This disparity in sizing not only highlights the struggle to find suitable clothing but also contributes to broader sustainability issues, such as overconsumption and textile waste. This research investigates the potential sustainability benefits of adopting a measurement-based sizing system, advocating for the production of fewer yet better-fitting garments tailored to diverse body shapes and sizes. By addressing the environmental impact of mass production and overconsumption prevalent in the fashion industry, this study delves into the growing textile waste crisis and examines current waste management systems to propose strategies for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to apparel sizing. Through a detailed analysis of existing literature, survey data, interviews, and external sources, this research unpacks the underlying issues fueling female dissatisfaction with clothing fit, the psychological toll of body image pressures, and the environmental repercussions of current production practices. By exploring the potential of a measurement-based sizing system as a solution, this study seeks to foster positive outcomes for both women and the environment, contributing insights into the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and consumer well-being.