Children's Clothing Research Articles

Quest for the eco‐apparel market: a study of mothers' willingness to purchase organic cotton clothing for their children

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine what consumer characteristics are related to willingness to purchase and selection of children's organic cotton clothing (OCC). A survey was conducted on mothers of pre‐schoolers to collect data on mothers' environmental characteristics, involvement with OCC and children's clothing, children's clothing purchasing behaviour and willingness to purchase OCC. A buying scenario experiment was used to examine whether price and other product characteristics influenced the participants' selection of OCC. It was found that a mother's environmental concerns, environmental purchasing behaviour and recycling behaviour significantly affected their involvement in OCC, which further significantly determined mother's willingness to purchase OCC. However, mothers were not willing to pay a premium for purchasing children's OCC. A majority (59.5%) of the mothers who selected OCC in the buying scenario indicated fabric softness was the main reason for their selection. Preparing environmental education materials for consumers and producing OCC with high quality and good performance would help improve the acceptance of OCC in the market.

The Load of Children's Clothes in the Arm Movement Relating to Shirt sleeve, French Sleeves and Raglan Sleeve

The Load of Children's Clothes in the Arm Movement Relating to Shirt sleeve, French Sleeves and Raglan Sleeve

Mothers' experiences related to the disposal of children's clothing and gear: keeping Mister Clatters but tossing broken Barbie

Abstract Drawing upon depth interviews with mothers, this study explores meanings attached to children's items disposed of through various channels. Items with little value (rubbish) such as broken toys were typically thrown away. Items that had deep personal meaning for the mothers but that lacked clear value to others (mementos) are kept in storage without plans for the future transfer of ownership to anyone else. Some mementos are extensions of the children's identities; they are often contaminated from use by the children and/or indexed to specific memories held by the mothers. Items that have less personal meaning for the mothers but that might be useful to other families (wares) were redistributed through giving, selling or donating. Baby wares were typically given to other mothers, while wares for older children were donated to charity. Interviewees described keeping some items on display or in storage with the intention of passing them on to children or grandchildren at a later time (intended heirlooms). Intended heirlooms have mythologized stories of origin, they affirm family identity, and some demonstrate properties of sacredness. Suggested directions for future research include further exploration of mothers' giving to other mothers and identity issues related to disposal. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Children's clothing fasteners as a potential source of exposure to releasable nickel ions

Children's clothing fasteners as a potential source of exposure to releasable nickel ions

A Research on the Changes of Western Children's Clothing

Based upon literature survey, this research aims to analyze western children's clothing and characteristics over centuries. It was not until the 18th century that children were given serious consideration and that fabrication of clothing began to be designed only for children. The very first clothes which revolutionized children's wear was 'a la matelot' in the 18th century which freed children from physical restriction, recognized gender difference, and sailor suit became popular among all sexes and adopted as school uniform. And then children's clothing was shortened in length and adopted tubular silhouette, which allowed greater comfort and movement. The 20th century saw children's wear reform to be carried out after the World War II due to invention of synthetic fiber, easy care dress material, mass production system and sophistication of marketing methods. Further evidence of improvement of children's social status can be found in contemporary designs: for example, 'casualized' wear, 'character design' which reflects children's psychology and 'family look' which is designed to be worn with mothers. This evolution of children's clothing within western dressing support the view that children's clothing is not a miniature of adult wear but it reflects idiosyncrasies of the era and exerts children's dignity.

Examining ways in which contact opportunities associated with transfers might help identify vulnerable households and link them with social welfare services: A systematic review of the literature

This review sets out to examine the published literature, exploring ways in which contact opportunities associated with cash transfers might help to identify vulnerable households and link them with social welfare services. Social welfare is a very broad construct, ranging from formalized social work provision to an array of service-type encounters, which could fall under the wide umbrella of social welfare, legal provision, family support services, child protective services and alternative care. A systematic review of published papers on cash transfer and social welfare generated 146 studies that were hand-sorted according to a series of inclusion criteria. These required availability of data, design competence and presence of a control group, from low/middle-income countries, cash transfers rather than other transfer types, accessible in the published literature in English reporting on developmental transfers as opposed to emergency transfers. Geographic and provision criteria were reached by 37 studies and only 12 of these included empirical data. Nine were evaluation studies, two used secondary analysis of existing data to explore childbearing and one presented a study synthesis. The majority emanated from South America (only one from South Africa). Two of the 12 were non-conditional pensions (Brazil and South Africa). The remainder were conditional transfers. The review showed that there is a lack of clearly identified, well-controlled, systematic studies from which to glean a sound evidence base on social welfare and cash transfer to guide policy. Studies reporting on nutritional status/child growth found positive effects of cash transfers (n = 6). Children benefiting from the programmes were healthier than those who were not enrolled in the programmes. Studies recorded positive effects of cash transfers on migration outcomes, psychological outcomes, preventative health-care participation, some health outcomes and school-related outcomes such as improved attendance, enhanced enrolment, reduced dropout and earlier enrolment. Cash transfers improved household consumption and expenditures (more spent on children's clothing, education and food – better quality food) to benefit children of the household. Programmes decreased or had no impact on fertility in Mexico, Nicaragua and Turkey. There were some increases in Honduras, which may or may not be related to the programme. No evaluations of cash transfer schemes reported on direct social welfare provision, legal and protective service access and provision. Grandparent residence and reductions in child labour were associated with cash transfers. In countries where there is a lack of traditional provision in terms of social work, there is a large gap in the provision of social support in general, including cash transfer schemes. The growing literature has shown the need for integration of social welfare into existing provision – be it the location of social welfare in general practice or the combining of government support through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based projects. The clear message is that stand-alone provision may, in itself, be a barrier to access. Studies should move beyond access to services to explore the implications of service provision for health and welfare gains. This review of studies shows multiple opportunities within existing cash transfer provision for social welfare contacts.

Dictionary of Children's Clothes: 1700 to Present

Dictionary of Children's Clothes: 1700 to Present

Capturing Loyalty across Garment Ranges: The Case of Supermarket Children's Clothing in the UK

In recent years, the UK clothing and fashion industry has undergone some major changes. While the demise of traditional high street brands such as C&A have been widely heralded in the media, a new phenomenon has dramatically changed the children's garment landscape with the emergence of supermarkets as viable alternative providers. In a world where fashion is the prerogative of a substantial majority of the population, image, social status, personality, identity and self expression are so crucial and modelled around key top brands, the main UK supermarket chains seem - rather against the odds - to have created a new, socially-acceptable type of fashion consumption. Have supermarkets own label brands really moved from 'me too' to suitable everyday prestige alternatives? In addition, while parents control purchases for the smallest children, are they convinced to stay loyal across the age ranges - without somehow stigmatizing themselves or their children? Our exploratory research encompasses supermarket stores that are located on the outskirts of town - not accessible by walking from city centres - as a reflection of current spatial change in shopping patterns in the UK. Fifty nine interviews conducted in two ASDA and two TESCO stores in Devon and in Glasgow were analyzed. Our theoretical perspective draws on a body of research covering areas such as intra-household economy and relationships, children and childhood imagery, the consumer decision making process, and retailing. We surmise that, due to the nature of the products/services, clothing shopping is, in effect, bringing new complexities for consumers which have yet to be addressed by most retailers' marketing strategies. While ease of access (through linked grocery shopping) price and quality are perceived as the main decision factors, we reveal that style and design, commendation by word of mouth, refund policies and assortment/variety also linked to multiplicity of usage are greatly influencing parental choice. We highlight the increasing importance of browsing as a modern improvisation choice practice (planned impulse buying). We then provide a re-definition of 'taste and style' and another view of what it could be to be a good parent. Supermarket clothing ranges are perceived as a way to help in grounding, forming and assessing future clothing consumptions.

Determining temperature ratings for children's cold weather clothing

This study examined the physical and physiological differences between children and adults that affect body heat generation and losses and then developed a heat loss model for determining the temperature ratings of cold weather clothing designed for use by children of various ages. The thermal insulation values of selected jackets were measured using a heated manikin dressed in two base ensembles, and the temperature ratings were calculated using the model. The results indicated that the type of garments used in the base ensemble had a major effect on jacket ensemble insulation and the predicted comfort temperature. For a given level of insulation, the temperature rating decreased as the wearer's age and activity level increased. This is probably because children have a higher surface area per unit mass ratio than adults, and they lose heat faster. However, this effect is partially offset by their higher metabolic rates.

Children’s clothing fasteners as a potential source of exposure to releasable nickel ions

Cutaneous nickel allergy in the very young is not well documented or characterized. A significant number of individuals are nickel sensitized by their mid-teenage years. Recent studies suggest that children may become sensitized to nickel at an early age. The purpose of this study was to investigate nickel release from children's clothing fasteners as one potential route of exposure of pre-school age children to nickel ions. Fasteners from new and used children's clothing purchased in the USA were tested using the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) and EN1811 tests for nickel ion release. Of 173 fasteners tested, 10 (6%) tested positive using the DMG test for nickel release. EN 1811 standardized nickel release testing of these 10 items demonstrated that 70% (4% of all fasteners tested) released nickel in excess of the European Nickel Directive release limit (0.5 microg/cm(2)/week). Ten randomly selected DMG-negative fasteners were also EN 1811 tested, of which 30% of fasteners exceeded the European Nickel Directive release limit. Therefore, not less than 6% of the fasteners tested released excessive nickel. This study concluded that clothing fasteners purchased in the USA could be a source of early childhood exposure to releasable nickel.

The Mother's Gaze and the Model Child: Reading Print Ads for Designer Children's Clothing

Abstract: This audience analysis considers how two groups of mothers, one affluent and mostly white, the other low-income and mostly of color, responded to six print ads for designer children's clothing. I argue that the gender and maternal affiliations of these women—which coalesce around their common experience of the male gaze and a belief that children's clothing represents the embodied tastes of the mother—are ultimately overwhelmed by distinct attitudes towards conspicuous consumption, in-group/out-group signals, and even facial expressions. I conclude that, when judging the ads, these mothers engage in a vicarious process by referencing their own daily practice of social interaction. In other words, they are auditioning the gaze through which others will view their own children.

Flip flops, dress clothes, and no coat: clothing barriers to children's physical activity in child-care centers identified from a qualitative study

BackgroundThree-quarters of 3-6 year-old children in the U.S. spend time in childcare; many spend most of their waking hours in these settings. Daily physical activity offers numerous health benefits, but activity levels vary widely across centers. This study was undertaken to explore reasons why physical activity levels may vary. The purpose of this paper is to summarize an unexpected finding that child-care providers cited was a key barrier to children's physical activity.MethodsNine focus groups with 49 child-care providers (55% black) from 34 centers (including inner-city, suburban, Head Start and Montessori) were conducted in Cincinnati, OH. Three independent raters analyzed verbatim transcripts for themes. Several techniques were used to increase credibility of findings, including interviews with 13 caregivers.ResultsTwo major themes about clothing were: 1) children's clothing was a barrier to children's physical activity in child-care, and 2) clothing choices were a significant source of conflict between parents and child-care providers. Inappropriate clothing items included: no coat/hat/gloves in the wintertime, flip flops or sandals, dress/expensive clothes, jewelry, and clothes that were either too loose or too tight. Child-care providers explained that unless there were enough extra coats at the center, a single child without a coat could prevent the entire class from going outside. Caregivers suggested several reasons why parents may dress their child inappropriately, including forgetfulness, a rushed morning routine, limited income to buy clothes, a child's preference for a favorite item, and parents not understanding the importance of outdoor play. Several child-care providers favored specific policies prohibiting inappropriate clothing, as many reported limited success with verbal or written reminders to bring appropriate clothing.ConclusionInappropriate clothing may be an important barrier to children's physical activity in child-care settings, particularly if the clothing of a few children preclude physical activity for the remaining children. Center directors and policy makers should consider devising clear and specific policies for the types of clothing that will be permitted in these settings so that children's active play opportunities are not curtailed. To enhance compliance, parents may need education about the importance and benefits of active play for children's development.

Conformity and resistance in the Victorian penal system: archaeological investigations at Parliament House, Edinburgh

Archaeological investigations at Parliament House in Edinburgh included the recovery of artefacts from a void discovered during building works. This space had been used as undercourt jail cells in the late 19th century, a time of penal reform. The assemblage contains items representing domestic, light industrial and clerical activities, as well as personal items such as children's toys and women's clothing. The Victorian penal code, contemporary accounts of prisoners, warders and chaplains, and historical and criminological studies suggest that they reflect not only the Prison Board's attempt to enforce conformity but also prisoners' and prison employees' resistance to the system.

Modelling children's choice decisions of clothing

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the key factors in children's choice of clothing from six to 11‐year‐olds.Design/ methodology/ approachThis exploratory study was developed through a questionnaire answered by 313 children, between the ages of six and 11, from four different schools in Porto (Portugal), covering the private/ state and the rural/urban dimensions. The Logit and Probit binary choice models have been chosen to evaluate the factors that influence children's choice of clothing (proxy), based on a mix constituted by “brand name, functionality and fashion”.FindingsThe results showed that choice is positively related to age, sex, environment, parents' income, self‐esteem, susceptibility to interpersonal influence and utilitarian value (functional value). On the contrary, susceptibility to reference group influence, materialism (materialistic attitudes), ostentatious value and involvement are negatively related to choice.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the research are limited by the specific sample chosen for this purpose. It is very difficult to generalize the results taking into account all children. The translation and adaptation of the original scales to the case of children and to the Portuguese context may have caused some deviation. The determination of choice was not done directly, as it resulted from a proxy related to the choice of clothing.Practical implicationsRetailers and manufacturers of children's clothing can benefit from the findings of this study. The model developed was applied to the children's choice of clothing. However, it may be tested for a wider universe and applied to other product types.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by studying key factors that affect children's choice of clothing. Based on these results, indications for future research are pointed out: a change in the mix of clothing products available and a characterization of choice types through free, conditional, ordered and multinomial models.

The Integration between the Total Productive Maintenance and Total Quality Control: A Pilot Study at Mosul Children Clothes Factory

The Integration between the Total Productive Maintenance and Total Quality Control: A Pilot Study at Mosul Children Clothes Factory

Effects of Age, Walking Speed, and Body Composition on Pedometer Accuracy in Children

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of age group, walking speed, and body composition on the accuracy of pedometer-determined step counts in children. Eighty-five participants (43 boys, 42 girls), ages 5–7 and 9–11 years, walked on a treadmill for two-minute bouts at speeds of 42, 66, and 90 m·min-1 while wearing a spring-levered (Yamax SW-200) and a piezoelectric (New Lifestyles NL-2000) pedometer. The number of steps taken during each bout was also recorded using a hand counter. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and mass, and percentage of body fat (%BF) was determined using hand-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis. The tilt angle of the pedometer was assessed using a magnetic protractor. Both pedometers performed well at 66 and 90 m·min-1, but undercounted steps by approximately 20% at 42 m·min-1. Although age group, BMI, waist circumference, and %BF did not affect pedometer accuracy, children with large pedometer tilt angles (≥ 10°) showed significantly greater percent bias than those with small tilt angles (< 10°). We suggest that the style of waistband on the child's clothing is a more important determinant of tilt angle and thus pedometer accuracy than body composition. Our results also indicate that the NL-2000 pedometer provides similar accuracy and better precision than the SW-200 pedometer, especially in children with large tilt angles. We conclude that fastening pedometers to a firm elastic belt may improve stability and reduce undercounting in young people.

Patched, Louse-ridden, Tattered: Clean and Dirty Clothes

“Patched, louse-ridden, tattered—clean, beautiful, gem.” As children we recited this rhyme in Norwegian: “Lappete, lusete, fillete—ren, pen, edelsten,” as we picked petal after petal from a daisy. All the words can be understood as descriptions of the child's future clothes. Clean is the turning point in the rhyme. Clean is thus seen as the first step on the way towards the gem, and it conveys here the same meaning as in the saying “whole and clean is the greatest finery.” Both emphasize clean clothes as crucial to the judgment of a person's appearance.In the world of fashion it has been alleged that “anything goes.” This is probably true if we restrict “anything” to small variations in the look, decor, color, and style of clothes. However, our way of dressing also depends on more absolute norms.This article explores the norms that deal with the relationship between clean and dirty clothes. Despite the fact that there is abundant research on cleanliness and laundering on the one hand, and clothes and clothes habits on the other, there are few points of intersection between the two fields. The article is an attempt at seeing these two themes in conjunction. It investigates how clothes, by being kept clean, make bodies socially acceptable. The article looks at how the demand for cleanliness varies in relation to age, gender, and class, and compares these demands to what we know about decency.

Reflective Trim on Clothing: Desirability Indicated by Purchase Preference

Motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians result in 1.8 deaths per 100,000 population annually in the U.S. Most of these fatalities are attributed to pedestrians not being seen in time for the driver to avoid a collision, particularly under poor visibility conditions. Previous research shows that reflective clothing worn at night can substantially increase pedestrians' visual conspicuity to drivers. The purpose of the present research was to examine people's desire for reflective trim on their clothing. Findings of strong desirability for reflective trim could prompt its incorporation into garments available to the public, and thus, potentially decrease pedestrian-related motor vehicle accidents. The present study measured the extent to which people are willing to pay extra or less for clothing with reflective material compared to the same items without reflective material. People reported they are willing to pay more for reflective material on sports-related, children's and inclement-weather clothing. Implications for safety and future research are discussed.

A Study on the Periodical Change of Korean Children's Clothing - Based on Wedding Pictures from 1960 to 2000 -

The purpose of this study was to investigate the periodical change of Korean children's clothing from 1960 to 2000. As valuable historical data, 794 children's clothing in wedding pictures in these periods were collected for this study. Research method was content analysis and frequency, cross table analysis, and test were conducted for data analysis. The results of this study were as follows. The children's clothing in 1960s had very humdrum and limited design and plain pattern. And most of children in this period wore Western clothes of casual style. In 1970s, children's clothing was enriched in terms of design, pattern, color and ornament. However, clothing design for children was not developed yet, so form of children's clothing in this period was showed as duplication of adult clothing design. In 1980s, The children's clothing was developed with enhancement of the level of living. Various style and sophisticated design were appeared and design and size system for children were developed. With increasement of social interest of leisure and sports, casual style was especially popular in this period for both of children and adult in this period. In 1990, rapid decrease of birth rate resulted in parents' excessive interest and investment for their children. In this effects, children's clothing in 1990s had luxury, various, and individual characteristics.

유.아동복의 취급상 주의사항 레이블에 대한 소비자들의 태도 조사

The increased diversity in designs, colors, and materials of children's clothing these days call for extra caution in care of these garments; however, the lack of customer's trust and efforts in complying with the care label combined with the enterprises's inadequate label attachments have led to various problems and disputes. This research attempts to examine customer's recognition, perception, and attitude towards the care labels on children's clothing. This research used the data collected from a total of 292 housewives raising children less than 7 year old. Descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations, frequencies were calculated and ANOVAS followed by Duncan tests were carried out using SPSS 10.0. The results are as follows: First, 84.3% of the housewives admitted that they know about care labels; individuals with higher education level reported higher recognition. Second, as for the perception/attitude toward care labels, 46.9% perceived that care labels 'require additional knowledge for washing clothes' and 30.2% answered that they trust care labels. Third, 51.7% answered that they 'check the symbol instruction'; this tendency was higher among those with higher education levels. Fourth, 31.5% answered they comply with the instructions on care labels. Fifth, as for the reasons for not complying, 60.3% answered they neglect care labels because 'based on my experience, no major problems would occur'; this tendency was higher for those with greater personal income. Sixth, when asked whether any information on the care label kept them from buying a particular garment, 59.2% responded they did not purchase a garment because 'laundry costs appeared to outweigh the product price'; this response was higher among individuals with a higher level of income or education.