3-4. Reactions to the Sample Girdles
The sample girdles were greeted with an air of cautious optimism.
Interest focused on the absence of stitching in the front and on the floral design. Some comments:
- "There's not any stitching on the side."
- "The front panel is very pretty."
- "If it did the same job as the oneI have on now, I'd buy it because the less seams, the better."
- "Mmmmm. No stitching. It would be nice to try it."
- "It looks smooth.
- "The design is very dainty."
- "Oh, this hasn't got seams on the panel. It seems to be eased in . . . I haven't seen that on the market."
Some initial concern focused on the presence of the bow, of lace around the legs and of the seam down the back:
- "I think the one with the back seam stitching on the inside would bother me."
- "Isn't that lace going to show through the dresses?"
- "The lace may scratch your leg."
- "I might buy it if I felt I could cut the bow off without harming the girdle."
- "I think I'd take the bow off it would show through."
After examining the sample girdles, the majority of respondents said they would be interested in trying one. But these girdles were presentedto consumers in a non-competitive situation, and it is difficult to estimate how consumers would feel about trying these girdles if various competitive girdles were presented simultaneously.
As a final measure of the potential marketability of the sample girdles, let us see how closely they meet the ideal'' girdle standards:
Appearance Improvement: Findings indicate that the absence of side panels may be somewhat of a drawback. Aside from this, however, respondents gave no indication that they thought this girdle would not be able to improve their appearance.
Comfort: There was some sporadic discussion about possible discomfort from the stitching down the back of the girdle and from the failure of the waistband to "give" enough.
Therapeutic Support: There were no definite findings in this area, one way or the other.
No Seams: The absence of stitching on the front apparently gives these girdles a competitive edge. However, as indicated above, the seam down the back is a disadvantage.
Tastefully Decorated: Virtually all women agreed that the sample girdles are tastefully decorated.
Feminine and Dainty: Once again, most women agreed that the sample girdles are feminine and dainty.
No Protrusions: Women indicated that they have some problems with the bow and with the garter snaps.
Made With Spandex: The majority of women appreciated the fact that the sample girdles were made of spandex.
Unusual Figure Problems: Women did not indicate that they thought the sample girdles were capable of solving unusual figure problems.
Durability: There was some concern that the front panel may peel off after repeated washing.
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Originally Posted April 20, 1997