Body Cathexis, Fit Satisfaction, and Fit Preferences Among Black and White Plus-Sized Women

This study explores the body cathexis, fit satisfaction, and clothing fit preferences of non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White women who reported wearing a size 14 or greater. The purpose of this study was to ascertain if differences arise between the two groups and if these differences are related to ethnicity or another demographic variable. Consistent with past research, the results acquired through a questionnaire were able to show that Black and White women do experience different feelings toward their bodies and the way in which clothing fits their bodies. Although the Non-Hispanic Black sample was not exempt from body dissatisfaction, the degree of dissatisfaction expressed by the Black sample was less than that reported by the non-Hispanic White sample at all measured body sites. In addition, results showed that plus-sized Black women had greater clothing fit satisfaction at all body site categories than plus-sized White women. Overall, the non-Hispanic Black respondents were more satisfied with their bodies, which led to greater satisfaction with how clothing fits their bodies. Using a previously tested instrument created by Chattaraman and Rudd in 2001 called the “Aesthetics Attribute Preference Scale,” participants were asked to identify their fit preferences for top length, top silhouette, sleeve length, neckline, bottom silhouette, bottom length, and waist placement. Even though Black women were more satisfied with their bodies and the fit of their clothing, there were only two areas that their fit preferences differed significantly from the White respondents. Non-Hispanic Black women preferred a less-fitted bottom silhouette and a slightly higher waistline than the non-Hispanic White participants. Through a series or correlations and a regression model, the impact of all of the demographic variables on the reported body cathexis, fit satisfaction, and fit preference variables was considered. It was found that the body cathexis and fit satisfaction of these women are influenced primarily by their ethnicity, not other demographic variables, such as age, income, or education while fit preferences were influenced by ethnicity, age, and income. The results of this study will allow retailers to provide a better clothing assortment to the non-Hispanic Black or White plus-sized woman.