Heriot-Watt Uni's Textiles and Design School to answer female sartorial dilemmas

12 Jan '06

3 min read

The school of textiles and design is uniquely placed to evaluate the effects of garment styling on perception of bottom size due to expertise in:
- garment styling and construction,
- fabric design and construction,
- body size (size UK project*),
- body scanning and digital imaging,
- product evaluation and statistical analysis.

We were the flagship university in the 'Size UK' project using 3D body scanning measurements of the British public to inform retailers of changing body measurements, thus enabling them to construct clothes that will fit UK consumers.

The study currently underway is considering whether trouser styling variables – such as rise height, leg shape, pocket type and position, seam position, etc. – affect perceived bottom size. This is intended to be a pilot study – we are currently applying for funding for larger projects to evaluate a wider range of garment styles and fabrics.

The results will be disseminated to students within the School of textiles and design, designers working in industry and the public. The results will enable people to make more of their natural assets – minimising or maximising bottom size as fashions and personal preferences dictate.

Clearly there are designers and stylists who have an instinctive understanding of what will make bottoms look bigger/smaller/'better' and this research is not intended to undermine that talent and experience in any way. Nor is this research going to consider the minefield of the 'attractiveness' of bottoms.

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