Whiz probes bum conundrum

The Age (Austrailia) ^ | 12/27/05 | Staff

[Millee]

One of the greatest female dilemmas - does my bum look big in this? - will be answered by a team of researchers.

Scientists in Scotland are launching what may be the world's first study into how clothing can affect the appearance of the female derriere.

Female volunteers wearing hundreds of different types of clothing will have their bottoms photographed for the research.

And in what is most girl’s worst nightmare, participants will then be asked to look at the pictures to assess how big or small each model's backside appears.

The study aims to examine how various designs, colours, patterns and fabric types affect perception of bottom size.

And Heriot Watt University's School of Textiles and Design believes the study could have major implications for retailers.

Head researcher, Dr Lisa Macintyre, says four models had been chosen to provide a sample of female rears.

One has a ''standard'' womanly backside while another has a much fuller ''pre-Raphaelite'' bum. The third model was slim with a small bum while another had a curvier behind like Jennifer Lopez.

''There's much discussion in the media of clothing styles that flatter the body and it's generally accepted that enhancing body perception can improve confidence and self-esteem,'' Dr Macintyre said.

''But the factors behind this have never been fully investigated in a proper scientific manner.

''Designers and consumers don't currently have access to established information that could enable them to make or choose garments that enhance body size and shape.

''This study will provide for the first time detailed and usable information that would enable designers to make the clothes that help women make the most of their natural assets.''

The results from the first phase of the study are to be published in May.

- agencies

[Millee]

Hey, with energy prices the way they are, I'd say you scored! (Millee high-fiving Mike)

[Mike Bates]

First time in years. . . .

[Chanticleer]

You must be kidding! Everyone knows that black minimizes... which is why my wardrobe leaves me looking as if I am in perpetual mourning.

White on a surface my size, reflected by the Florida sun, is probably dangerous.

[carlr]

A lady needs to have some flesh on the posterior.How much varies from lady to lady.

Stick figures don`t do anything for me.

[WireAndWood]

"...participants will then be asked to look at the pictures to assess how big or small each model's backside appears."

Carefully, delightfully chosen wording there.