Changes in the Fashion Preferences of Women in their Twenties according to Awareness of in Gender Equality

Abstract

In response to recent changes in gender equality and social awareness among female college students, we sought to investigate whether there were corresponding changes in their preferred fashion styles and items. A survey was conducted with 200 women in their twenties to determine whether they were aware of gender equality and social change, as well as their preferred fashion styles and items at both the time of college admission and the current time. Awareness of gender equality was divided into two factors: feminism and a perceived increase in women’s social power. A significant difference was observed in the fashion styles of female college students in their twenties between the time of admission and the current time. Compared with the past, the preferred style has changed to gender-neutral rather than feminine, useful rather than aesthetics, character rather than fashion, sporty rather than elegance, and casual rather than formal. Preferred items included pants rather than skirts, sneakers rather than shoes, socks rather than stockings, long skirts rather than short skirts, and backpacks rather than handbags. The level of attention paid to campus attire per week decreased over time. No correlation was found between gender equality awareness and preferred fashion style, while feminism was correlated with preferred fashion items. The degree to which attention was paid to campus attire per week was correlated with feminism, but was not correlated with a perceived increase in womens’ social power.