Apparel Products Research Articles

Determinants of location changes in the clothing industry in Poland

Abstract The clothing industry is often perceived, particularly in the European context, as a declining, traditional, labour-intensive industry. Nonetheless, in recent years in Poland, after over three decades of steady shrinkage, though the average scale of operations has continued to decline, the number of firms in the sector has been much more stable. In their analysis of the locations of apparel producers on the national level, the authors point to the changing geography of the sector in terms of its increased or diminishing relative presence in some areas. The links between location tendencies among firms in the clothing industry and other fashion-related institutions and initiatives are noted, as are new firms in the creative sector. The spatial patterns observed point to the ability of the resized sector to leverage emerging market opportunities and upgrade selectively, and to its broader evolution from a traditional towards a creative industry.

The Application of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in Apparel Manufacturing and Operator Training

The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) into various industries has revolutionized training, production processes, and operational efficiency. The apparel industry faces challenges in operator training, resulting in decreased productivity and increased errors when frequent style change occurs. The creation of an AR/VR system for training purposes could serve as a valuable tool. In the sewing and apparel industry, these technologies have been gaining attention for their potential to streamline processes, enhance skill development, and optimize operator training. This study contributes to the apparel industry by introducing innovative education and training methods, enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals, and improving manufacturing efficiency and quality and the other broader benefits these technologies offer.

Adopting Zero-waste Pattern-making Techniques for Apparel Product Development

Every year, the fashion industry churns out millions of clothing items with fresh styles, resulting in significant fabric waste during production. This fabric waste contributes to environmental pollution. Embracing zero-waste pattern-making techniques for clothing production offers a viable solution to curbing this issue. By utilising the entire fabric yardage, these techniques aim to minimise or eliminate fabric waste after garment production. Zero-waste design is a holistic approach that integrates designing, production and sourcing processes. This article aims to propose solutions for controlling fabric waste through innovative zero-waste pattern-design techniques, thereby fostering a sustainable future. Traditionally, the apparel production process utilises 85% of fabrics, leaving behind 15% as wastage. The challenge lies in reducing this 15% wastage to zero (Abernathy et al., 1999). However, it is acknowledged that not everyone can readily adopt zero-waste pattern techniques. It requires creativity to develop optimal design solutions for apparel production. Collaboration among designers, pattern makers, academics and production professionals is essential for researching and identifying the best creative practices and solutions for integrating zero-waste pattern-making techniques into the apparel production process. Developing approaches for zero-waste pattern-making involves researching basic pattern design principles, understanding associated challenges and analysing outcomes. This research and development process in zero-waste pattern-making can pave the way for better sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to the reduction of fabric waste pollution and fostering a more sustainable future.

Green Manufacturing and Performances in Apparel Export Industry: Mediating Role of Green Innovation

Implementing green manufacturing in the production process of garment export-oriented enterprises not only contributes to environmental well-being but also enhances competitiveness in the global market and boosts overall company performance. Furthermore, it is critical to take immediate action to improve sustainable production levels via green innovation. This study aims to investigate the impact of green manufacturing on operational performance, environmental performance, and economic performance in the apparel manufacturing export industry. The study also investigates the mediating role of green innovation as a mediator between the green manufacturing and types of performances. A survey method is used to collect data from 123 garment export units, and structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to analyze the results. This study delivers empirical evidence of the impact of the implementation of green manufacturing on green innovation and economic performance. Moreover, green innovation has a significant impact on economic performance and environmental performance. The results signify that green innovation partially mediates green manufacturing and economic performance. Green innovation fully mediates green manufacturing and environmental performance, and also green manufacturing and operational performance. This study is unique in its focus on the use of green manufacturing and green innovation in garment export production units. It provides insights into how these green practices might improve firm performance and the environment.

An observational study of female body shape characteristics in multiracial Malaysia

Abstract The current study aims to explore the representative and typical female body shapes through in-depth observation and analysis of the diversity in Malaysian female body shape characteristics across different ethnic and age groups, which assists in facilitating the establishment of accurate apparel size standards. This study was conducted in Selangor, which is the most populous and developed Malaysian state. The data were collected via a highly systematic approach. The K-mean clustering method was applied to synthesise and analyse the collected data, which classified the body types into five major clusters. The results not only revealed significant differences in the distribution of body shapes across ethnic and age groups but also highlighted the limitations of the various sizing systems currently employed by the Malaysian apparel industry to fulfil the requirements of the diverse Malaysian market. The findings provided practical implications for apparel manufacturers and retailers with concrete evidence to support improved product design and enhance customer satisfaction. A deeper understanding and categorisation of Malaysian females’ body types could also assist the apparel industry in developing more tailored sizing systems. Resultantly, an improved system minimises return rates, optimises inventory management, and supports environmental and sustainability goals by reducing overproduction.

Predictors of Intention to Interact with Apparel Products on Instagram: Do creativity and Positive Emotion Matter?

Research aims: This study aims to determine the effect of perceived creativity, positive emotion, affective commitment on people intention to interact.Design/Methodology/Approach: The study procedures were carried out using a quantitative approach and data were collected with online questionnaires from July to December in 2023. The participants were selected using purposive sampling based on specific criteria, such as experience in purchasing products online. A total of 225 participants were selected and analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach with SmartPLS.Research findings: The results showed that perceived creativity had a significant relationship on positive emotion and affective commitment. Positive emotion was shown to have a significant effect on interaction intention. However, perceived creativity had no significant impact on interaction intention of apparel brand. This indicated that creative content was inadequate in attracting Instagram users to interact with brand’s account. The results also showed that positive emotion lacked a significant correlation with affective commitment, while affective commitment had a significant relationship with interaction intention.Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study provides meaningful contribution to Stimulus-Organism-Response theory by incorporating creativity to assess Instagram social media platform.Practitioners/Policy Implications: These results can assist business owners and social media marketers in developing creative marketing campaigns and building strong bond with their followers.Research Limitations/Implications: One of the limitations of this study is that it only assessed the use of Instagram in the fashion industry. Therefore, future studies are advised to explore different industries and recruit participants with a specific occupation to obtain better understanding of online consumer behavior.

Energy consumption modeling in industrial sewing operations: A case study on carbon footprint measurement in the apparel industry

In the textile supply chain, the apparel manufacturing industry heavily relies on energy consumption (EC), contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding and optimizing energy usage in apparel manufacturing is crucial for sustainable and energy-efficient manufacturing. The EC in the industrial sewing operations is directly linked with sewing parameters, including fabric seam length, standard sewing speed, and stitching time. In general, the carbon footprint of an apparel industry is measured by considering the standard minute value (SMV) and specific energy consumption (SEC). However, these metrics include non-productive time and do not accurately measure actual EC or assess the industry’s carbon footprint. To address these limitations, this case study tackles this technical issue by calculating the stitching time of an industrial sewing machine based on its actual EC derived from the sewing machine’s motor power. This study employs EC modeling for industrial sewing parameters, including fabric seam length, standard sewing speed, and stitching time. This proposed model utilizes real-time data collected during the garment-making process, including fabric spreading, cutting, sewing, and ironing. The study allocates eleven sewing machines for a specific garment style to stitch a basic knit fabric t-shirt. The total EC for the entire garment-making (t-shirt) process at a single line is 0.1052 kWh, equivalent to 59.97 g of CO2 emissions (Bangladesh’s CO2/kWh emission factor). This study explores that a direct-drive servo motor consumes approximately five times less than its maximum motor load power, making it more energy-efficient than other sewing machines. Therefore, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of EC modeling by incorporating industrial sewing parameters and selecting energy-efficient sewing machines to reduce carbon footprints and enhance environmental sustainability in the apparel manufacturing industry.

Comparison of actual and virtual pressure of athletic clothing in active poses

PurposeThe circular design process in contemporary fashion design, from two-dimensional (2D) sketching and pattern making to three-dimensional (3D) prototypes, can be facilitated by virtual prototyping. Virtual pressure representations on avatars provide visual and quantitative information regarding garment fit and comfort, which are particularly important for active wear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits of using avatars in active poses from 3D body scans and the use of digital 3D tools for the design process and the prediction of fit of active wear.Design/methodology/approachThis research initially explores virtual fit of cycling wear in active poses and compares the actual pressure values from humans with virtual pressure maps on custom avatars made from body scans in cycling poses across a range of sizes.FindingsSimilar fit results were achieved visually in both the standing and cycling poses. However, the comparisons showed no correlation between the actual and virtual pressure data. Of the 32 cases representing different combinations of the parameters of this research (four sizes, two garment types, four active poses), the differences were significant. The results suggest that, rather than providing a direct correlation with pressure values on the body, the main value of avatar data is in providing comparative visual support for fit evaluation.Originality/valueThe approach taken in this research, which considers the active pose and the size range, potentially contributes to the improvement of virtual fit technology, and its more effective use in apparel product development and fit evaluation.

Impact Of Innovation and Training & Development on Operational Performance: Mediation of Green Lean Six Sigma

This research tends to discover the influence of innovation and training & development on the operational performance of an organization. Performance is an integral function of the success of any organization. Therefore, this research tends to discover the influence of innovation and training & development on the operational performance of an organization. Green lean six sigma is also an important concept that emerged in the last few years. The motive of this research is to explore the mediation of green lean six sigma among innovation, training & development, and operational performance. The current study uses a quantitative method to explore this current topic. The data utilized in this study was obtained from both customers and employees of textile and apparel manufacturing facilities located in Pakistan. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents of the research. Results of the study indicate innovation and training & development are significantly associated with an organization's operational performance. Green lean six sigma also mediated the association between innovation, training & development, and operational performance. This study also includes limitations, future direction, and practical and managerial implications.

INTERPLAY OF NOSTALGIA AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES: A STUDY ON APPAREL

This study analyzed the relationship between nostalgia and memorable experiences on con­sumer purchase intention. While nostalgia was well-researched for Generation X and Y, there was a lack of understanding of how nostalgia influenced Generation Z brands and consumption pre­ferences. Nostalgia marketing has been popular for several years, and there was literature on pro­duct and service categories, such as movie remakes, band reunions, candy, and brands that have completed their life cycle and could be re-released to the market by appealing to consumers nos­tal­gia. It used a sample of 135 observations and sneakers stimuli advertising with nostalgic com­ponents. Results showed that nostalgia affected purchase intention directly and the retrieval of memorable experiences of using the apparel product. However, it did not translate to purchase intention. The results helped marketers identify courses of action to create effective commu­ni­ca­tion that triggers consumers' purchase intention who did not require product development.

The Hidden Figures: Discovering Global Apparel Manufacturers’ CSR Activities According to the Global Standards

The Hidden Figures: Discovering Global Apparel Manufacturers’ CSR Activities According to the Global Standards

Identifying obstacles to evaluating business intelligence in Micro-Small Apparel Enterprises: a case study in Durban, South Africa

The escalating financial burdens faced by the Small Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) sector necessitate a perpetual pursuit of enhanced managerial efficacy. For enhanced financial management, client relationship management and inventory control, it is necessary for businesses to utilise various technologies and methodologies. One approach involves the utilisation of business analytical technologies, such as Business Intelligence (BI). Business Intelligence (BI) serves as a valuable tool for enterprises, aiding in the examination and interpretation of data to facilitate informed decision-making processes aimed at enhancing overall business efficacy. The eThekwini region encompasses a significant presence of micro-small enterprises within the apparel manufacturing and retail sector. The primary aim of this research was to identify and analyse the many issues that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence (BI) in micro-small apparel enterprises located in Durban, a city in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. A cross-sectional quantitative study was undertaken to examine a cohort of 161 small apparel business owners. The participants were chosen through the utilisation of a judgemental sampling technique. The data was gathered through the utilisation of anonymous questionnaires. The data was analysed by utilising multiple linear regression analysis to determine the characteristics that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence (BI) in the small apparel industry. The study employs the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework as its conceptual framework. The researcher identified several obstacles that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence in micro-small textile enterprises in South Africa. These factors include perceived relative advantage, cost, organisational data environment, organizational decision-making culture, and external support. However, there are numerous governmental institutions that are intended to provide support for micro-small companies. Therefore, it is recommended that these institutions establish training initiatives aimed at educating apparel SMMEs on BI. The implementation of target-driven training has the potential to significantly contribute to the achievement of vision 2030 for fostering the growth of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to enhance the South African economy.

Role of purchasing and supply management performance in apparel manufacturing

Role of purchasing and supply management performance in apparel manufacturing

Pricing and Inventory Decisions for the Apparel Industry Under a Carbon Neutrality Target with Green Investments and Recycling Efforts

The apparel industry is the second largest source of pollution globally, following only the petrochemical industry in terms of environmental pollution caused by production, sales, and consumption processes. Low-carbon, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient production and consumption methods are crucial pathways for the apparel industry to achieve carbon neutrality targets. Therefore, considering green investments in apparel products and the recycling of discarded apparel, this paper investigated the inventory and pricing optimization decisions of apparel enterprises within the context of a carbon neutrality target. The results indicated that green investment or recycling can effectively increase the total profits of the apparel brand. Due to the cumulative effect of comprehensive environmental strategies, apparel brands achieve greater profits when simultaneously adopting both green investments and recycling efforts compared to implementing either one alone. Green investments focus on reducing the environmental impact during production by minimizing resource consumption and emissions from the source, while recycling emphasizes product reutilization, effectively extending the utilization cycle of resources. By implementing these two strategies, brands not only reduce the negative environmental impacts during production but also maximize resource reuse throughout the product lifecycle.

Exploring the barriers to implement industrial symbiosis in the apparel manufacturing industry: Implications for sustainable development

Industrial symbiosis, a promising approach for sustainable industrial practices, has garnered attention in recent days for its ability to enhance resource efficiency, minimize waste, and preserve the environment through collaborative exchanges among industries. In emerging economies like Bangladesh, integrating industrial symbiosis in the manufacturing industries offers the potential to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. However, this integration encounters various barriers that complicate the implementation. Despite research on industrial symbiosis in robust economies, studies on emerging and developed economies are still scarce. To date, no research has yet investigated the barriers hindering the performance of industrial symbiosis in the Bangladeshi apparel manufacturing sector. To address this gap, this study integrates the Bayes theorem and the Best-Worst Method to identify and prioritize barriers to the Bangladeshi apparel manufacturing sector. From extensive literature reviews and expert validation, 17 barriers were identified. Findings reveal the “lack of technology and infrastructure readiness” as the most significant barrier, followed by “lack of inter-company cooperation” and “lack of management support”. Conquering these barriers empowers emerging economies to fortify the apparel manufacturing sector's resilience, resource efficiency, and environmental performance while fostering sustainable development via circular economy practices. This study is expected to guide policymakers and stakeholders in crafting targeted strategies for promoting steady growth and sustainable development in the apparel manufacturing sector of emerging economies like Bangladesh.

Pengaruh Atmosphere Store, Diskon, Hedonic Shopping, Fashion Involment Dan Emosi Positif Sebagai Variabel Mediasi Terhadap Impulse Buying

Clothing is a primary need so demand for apparel products continues to increase. The millennial generation is a generation that tends to be impulse consumers in the Asia Pacific region. Impulse buying behavior is a big opportunity for companies to increase their sales volume because buying without a plan or impulse buying is buyer behavior that is not based on a plan but because of the urge to own the goods they see. This research aims to (1) determine the influence of Store Atmosphere, Discounts, Hedonic Shopping, impulse buying, Fashion Involvement on impulse buying. (2) To determine the influence of Store Atmosphere, Discounts, Hedonic Shopping, and Fashion Involvement on impulse buying through positive emotions. (3) To determine the influence of positive emotions on impulse buying. This research is quantitative research in associative form. Research location at H&M Beachwalk Bali. The sampling technique in this research is a non-probability sampling technique used in this research is accidental sampling. The sample in this research was 208 samples. This research uses primary data through the use of questionnaires distributed to respondents. The analysis technique in this research uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS software. The research results show that store atmosphere, discounts, hedonic shopping, fashion involvement, positive emotions have a positive and significant influence on impulse buying. Positive emotions as a partial mediating variable influence discounts, hedonic shopping, and fashion involvement on impulse buying.

Antecedents of Purchase Intention: A Study among Female Consumers in the Apparel Sector of Quetta-Pakistan

With the emergence of social media, the apparel products market has grown exponentially, where branded and counterfeit products are readily available to consumers. This phenomenon has changed the shopping behavior of consumers, particularly females. Thus, firms are keen to unpack the factors that enhance female consumers' purchase intention towards apparel products. The literature lacks empirical verification of personal and social factors that enhance purchase intention in various contexts, particularly for female consumers. Therefore, this research aims to substantiate the impact of Materialism, the Need for Uniqueness, Experiential, Brand Attachment, and Social Influence on the Purchase Intention of young female consumers in the apparel market with the mediating effect of Vanity. Three hundred self-administered questionnaires regarding apparel products were filled out through a convenience sampling approach from young female consumers (18-35 years) from four higher education institutions in Quetta-Pakistan. Hypotheses were tested through multiple regression and the Hayes process model. Findings show that all predictors significantly affect purchase intention with the mediating effect of Vanity. The need for uniqueness was the most essential factor that explained purchase intention in Quetta's apparel market. Young female consumers weigh more on the need for uniqueness, which leads to materialism, social influence, and experiential and brand attachment as critical factors when interacting with vanity. Marketers need to design a strategy that enhances their Apparel's uniqueness.

Re-engineer apparel manufacturing processes with 3D weaving technology for efficient single-step garment production

Traditional apparel assembly technology-cut and sewn process-requires labor-intensive pre- and post-production. While conventional weaving technology has made efforts to streamline the garment-making process, additional assembly processes are still required-sewing or joining after removing the woven samples from the loom. This challenge in the garment-making process discloses the need for a novel type of advanced textile technology and manufacturing techniques incorporating shaping and assembly capabilities. Exploiting three-dimensional (3D)-to-two-dimensional (2D)-to-3D methodology integrated 3D weaving technology, the 3D woven bra prototype is practically demonstrated in a significantly effective manufacturing process, shaped in one weaving cycle without additional assembly needs. The bra manufacturing process is also assessed by traditional industry loom, and the same efficient manufacturing process is also achieved. This indicates that 3D weaving technology contributes as an innovative manufacturing technology in the apparel industry to facilitate the manufacturing process significantly and eliminates further joining and sewing processes.

Inclusive apparel design framework for accommodating clothing needs of people with different levels of reach, dexterity, and mobility capabilities

ABSTRACT This study developed inclusive apparel design (IAD) framework to systematically analyse diverse clothing needs of people with different capabilities in reach, dexterity, and mobility, including people living with disabilities. The research critically examined two accessible design approaches, inclusive design framework and universal design framework, focusing on their similarities and distinctions as well as suitability for developing apparel products that cater to the needs of people with different capabilities in reach, dexterity, and mobility. Based on the analysis, three levels of difficulty in using clothing were proposed: (a) from no to minimal difficulty; (b) moderate difficulty; and (c) severe difficulty. For the three levels of difficulty, the IAD framework outlines three respective design strategies: (a) user-aware design, (b) modular design, and (c) special-purpose design. IAD framework can be used to guide future research and practitioner applications to meet the clothing needs of ability-diverse consumers.

Management of products in the apparel manufacturing industry using DEMATEL-based analytical network process technique

Management of products in the apparel manufacturing industry using DEMATEL-based analytical network process technique