Consumers and professionals perceptions of garment quality for a selection of women's vests

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gauge consumer and professional perceptions regarding attributes of garment quality and its assessment. The work focused on the standards of quality of products from three major clothing retailers in the UK. A basic vest was selected from each retailer and a panel of experts from the clothing industry were invited to examine these garments and to render their professional judgement on which garment exhibited the best quality in terms of handling, and also of aesthetic appearance. A panel of potential consumers were also invited to offer their perception of the quality of the garments. Both groups expressed their opinions about the perceived cost in a blind test. These tests were conducted to achieve quality perceptions from two points of view; real actual objective quality versus subjective discernment of quality. The research highlighted the extent to which clothing quality exists in both material attributes and construction; also its awareness and expectations.