Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of older women's torso shapes. The data was collected from the 7th Size Korea, which featured 453 women between the ages of 70-85. A factor analysis was performed of 31 indices, including seventeen based on height and length measurements, eight based on circumference measurements, and six based on torso flattening. The torso shape was determined from seven factors: torso flatness ratio, shape of the side upper torso, vertical size of upper torso, silhouette of the torso, silhouette of the bust and abdomen, shape of the hip, and the vertical size of the back of upper torso. The torso shapes of older women were classified into three types based on the results of the factor analysis. Type 1 is called the large rectangle type. They have the lowest degree of forward bend in the torso, the largest vertical and horizontal size, a round body shape, and the upper torso is gently curved. Type 2 is called the inverted triangle type. They also have a round body shape, but the abdominal size is relatively small compared to the size of the bust, and also have an open and drooping bust, and the biggest degree of forward bend in the torso. Type 3 is called the square type. They are characterized by drooping hips, the smallest vertical and horizontal sizes, and the gentlest curve of the torso.