Clothing needs and related problems of female social pensioners in Stellenbosch

This article reports on a study of the clothing needs and related problems of female social pensioners in Stellenbosch. The sample consisted of 107 coloured women who were 60 years and older, and non-institutionalized. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the data during interviews in the respondents' homes. It was found that most of the respondents buy their clothes at stores in Stellenbosch. They prefer certain stores which sell clothes at affordable prices. Style preferences include cardigans, gathered skirts, loose-fitting jackets, and dresses with front openings. The women value clothes that fit well, are comfortable and are aesthetically pleasing. The respondents felt that their clothes are adequate for their activities but that they lack certain clothing items, such as winter sleepwear and underwear.