Body Measurement Practices and Garment Fit Among Male Garment Producers in Tamale Metropolis

Abstract

The study examined the techniques of body measurement taking and its use by tailors to cut out and sew a shirt and a trouser and how these techniques affect the final fit of the garment. This study employed a qualitative research methodology. Data was acquired from five selected tailors using a method of purposive sampling. Data collection equipment included a designed observation checklist, a semi-structured interview guide, and an evaluation index for fit. Using statistics such as percentage and frequency, mean and standard deviation, along with thematic analysis, the acquired data was analyzed. According to the findings of the study, tailors omitted most measurement that were needed to achieve garments with a good fit. The investigation revealed that the tailors guessed ease to be added clothing production, which negatively affected the garments fit. Moreover, the tailors did not consistently identify the relevant body parts during body measurement. Through the study, it was observed that the tailor's capacity to form armholes and the shaping from the knee to the bottom of the trouser were the most difficult challenges encountered during garment manufacturing. The results show that all the tailors could not take all measurement and most of the measurements were not taken properly. This could be due to the wrong techniques passed down from master craftsmen to their apprentices. It is therefore recommended that measurement taking in custom sewing in the informal sector be looked into and the procedures improved.