Apparel Selection Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF FASHION INDUSTRY ON APPAREL BUYING BEHAVIOR OF FASHION COLLEGE STUDENTS

Purpose – The key objective of the currentresearchpaper is to assess the demographic profile of fashion college students in the age group of 18-23years and also clarifies how fashion industry influence the buying behaviour of youth. The intention is to understand the type of fashion apparel they purchase & whether there is any correlation between demographic variables & buying behavior. Research approach – Structured questionnaire is used to collect the data from fashion college students of Noida city through random sampling. Findings – Consumers’ interest towards fashionable clothing has been increased and to look different they prefer fast fashion apparels according to the latest trend of fashion industry and colour forecast. Fashion college students have varied thoughts with regard to the product characteristicsand they preferred sustainable and natural fabrics but the maincriteria of apparel selection was on silhouette, price and type of fabric.In addition, Social media and Tv are the major source of information for them.A significant correlation in female participants, monthly budget for clothesand influence of fashion industry. Originality/value – This study focusses on mainly on fashion college students specially the students from fashion college– this subject has not been studied muchbefore.

Self-objectification among Women Athletes and Athletic Apparel Selection

Self-objectification among Women Athletes and Athletic Apparel Selection

The Role of Information Exposure in Female University Students’ Evaluation and Selection of Eco-Friendly Apparel in the South African Emerging Economy

Increasing consumption in the South African emerging economy necessitates stringent effort toward developing environmental information campaigns that stimulate preferences for eco-friendly alternatives. This qualitative study explores the role of exposure to information about the environmental impact of the apparel supply chain in female students' evaluation and selection of apparel. Based on the outcome of garment selection exercises and focus group discussions, participants were not swayed by exposure to hang tags, audio-visual or printed information sources to prioritize eco-friendly features in their choice of product, nor were they willing to compromise on attributes such as price for the sake of the environment. Participants' recommendations include standardized eco-labels to facilitate identification of eco-friendly alternatives and message content that is short, precise and factual. Interpersonal communication could represent an influential source of information and merits further investigation into the relevance of normative social influence on pro-environmental apparel behavior in the South African emerging economy.

A typology of Polish consumers and their behaviours in the market for sustainable textiles and clothing

AbstractThe paper discusses Polish consumers' behaviours in the market for sustainable textiles and clothing.The analysis presented in this article was undertaken because of: the scarcity of studies on socially responsible consumption in so‐called new consumer countries characterized by slowly developing ethical consumer movement; few studies analysing consumer behaviour compared with the volume of literature exploring sustainable development and corporate social responsibility of textile and clothing manufacturers. The typology of Polish consumers presented in this article was developed based on consumers' buying habits and general apparel selection criteria, and also on ecological and social criteria that other typologies and clothing market segmentations omit. The six types of consumers that emerged from the analysis were described with respect to their specific attitudes to sustainable textiles and clothing. In analysing the consumers' behaviours, the following aspects were addressed: communication between customers and producers, product differentiation and actual purchases made by consumers.

몽골 여성들의 과시적 소비성향에 따른 수입의류 선택행동

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify imported apparel selection behavior according to Mongol women's conspicuous consumption orientation. A self -administered questionnaire was used for data collection. First, factors of conspicuous consumption orientation were high price and luxury brand, fashion style, altruism, prestige, and brand. Mongol women were segmented into the price and prestige pursuit group, the fashion and brand pursuit group, the altruism pursuit group, and the conspicuous consumption retard group. Second, factors of motivating the selection of imported apparel were value, symbolism, and aesthetics, and Mongol women considered the aesthetics of imported apparel important. Married Mongol women in their 30's chose imported apparel because of its symbolism. More married women selected imported apparel because of its value and more educated women selected imported apparel because of its aesthetics. Women with higher apparel expenditure selected imported apparel because of its value and symbolism. Quality, diversity, and the fit of imported apparel were the selection criteria for Mongol women and they were satisfied with the quality, diversity, and fit of the imported apparel. Brand awareness was very important when selecting imported apparel but the women's satisfaction level was significantly low. Third, more women in their 30's, unmarried, or with a lower educational level were found in the price and the prestige pursuit group, and the price and prestige pursuit group and the altruism pursuit group selected imported apparel for its aesthetics. More unmarried women in their 30's with a higher educational level were found in the fashion and brand pursuit group and selected imported apparel for its value, symbolism, and aesthetics. More unmarried women in their 20's with a higher educational level were found in the altruism pursuit group, but unmarried women in their 20's with a lower educational level were found in the conspicuous consumption retard group.Keywords: imported apparel(수입의류), apparel selection behavior(의류선택행동), conspicuous consumption orientation(과시적 소비성향), Mongol women(몽골 여성)

A study on Mongol women's imported apparel selection behavior according to their conspicuous consumption orientation

A study on Mongol women's imported apparel selection behavior according to their conspicuous consumption orientation

The role of environmental knowledge in young female consumers' evaluation and selection of apparel in South Africa

AbstractThe harmful impact of the apparel supply chain on the environment is becoming a global reality. However, consumer awareness of the environmental problems caused by this industry is not always obvious in their apparel buying decisions. A qualitative approach was used to explore young female consumers' existing levels of environmental knowledge, and whether that environmental knowledge is reflected in the evaluation and selection of apparel. Non‐probability purposive sampling was used to ensure the inclusion of young female students (19–22 years old, n = 29). Participants first had to write an essay on the subject of pertinent environmental issues and then participated in a focus group discussion on the evaluation and selection of a t‐shirt. Results suggest that the participants have general environmental knowledge. They have the ability to identify environmental problems as well as the causes and consequences of these environmental problems. However, participants' environmental awareness and their knowledge pertaining to the actual production and supply of environment‐friendly apparel in the South African context were very limited. The results also highlight the product attributes important to the participants when evaluating and selecting apparel such as price, aesthetics and functionality of the garment, but environmental attributes such as organic cotton, locally produced, reduced waste techniques and not using harmful chemicals did not feature high under the attributes participants considered. They prioritized price, aesthetics and fit above other attributes (including environmental attributes). Environmental knowledge was not consciously considered in their general apparel decision making, even though participants indicated that they do care about the environment.

Overcoming Alterations in Body Image Imposed by the Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Case Report

Little is known about clothing issues among patients with implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This article describes the experience of a woman who had challenges in adapting to an altered body image imposed by the external components of the LVAD system. The woman discusses her problems about clothes that fit her personal style and shares her strategies and recommendations in overcoming the problem. Her description of how she approached and resolved the problem is situated within the Apparel Body Construct Model. In this context, appropriate selection of apparrel is crucial not only to preserving the integrity and function of the LVAD system but also to the recipient's satisfaction with her body image. The information presented is a catalyst for knowledge development and heightening health care providers' awareness of patients' perception of body image, which is vital to adapting to an LVAD as a component of the recipient's body and life.

Mature consumers' selection of apparel and footwear brands and department stores

PurposeThis study seeks to examine mature consumers' motives in the selection of apparel and footwear brands and reasons for patronizing department stores. Differences in brand‐choice motives are assessed among age cohort groups within the mature consumers segment as well as mature consumer segments defined by various socio‐demographic and lifestyle factors (i.e. gerontographic segmentation).Design/methodology/approachA USA nation‐wide random sample of 10,400 head of households was surveyed in regards to reasons for choosing apparel and footwear brands and department stores.FindingsThe results show that older consumers not only differ from their younger counterparts but are also heterogeneous when it comes to reasons for choosing specific brands and department stores. Specifically, price reductions and special sales drive the majority of mature consumers' brand selection, while advice or requests of spouse or other relatives and recommendations of salespeople are important factors in brand selection. Ease of returning products or getting refunds and frequency of items on sale are the main drivers of department store patronization.Practical implicationsMarketing managers should consider preference differences in age and gerontographic segments when creating marketing strategies to serve mature consumers.Originality/valueTypically, mature consumers are aggregated into a single age segment (e.g. over 55). This study examines mature consumer reasons for selecting apparel and footwear brands and department stores based not just on age, but also on individual characteristics, specifically, gerontographic characteristics. Suggestions for marketing strategies designed to appeal to gerontographic segments are provided.

Knowledge and Skills Used and the Satisfaction Derived in the Choice of Apparel among University Students

The purpose was to examine the relationship between the knowledge and skills used in the selection of apparel and the satisfaction obtained. Data were collected from 210 undergraduate students of which 94 were females and 116 were males. A self administered questionnaire and focus group discussions were used. Knowledge and skills related to apparel choice were measured by a 12- item Likert scale. Satisfaction was measured using a 15- item test asking how the respondents personally feel about their clothes and what others think about them. Level of satisfaction was higher among those who had adequate knowledge. Female respondents scored higher than the male respondents on most of the attributes tested and depicted cognizance in the use of knowledge and skills. Level of satisfaction was high, with gender and year of study being significant determinants.

Consumers' knowledge on sizing and fit issues: a solution to successful apparel selection in developing countries

AbstractA study was conducted in the Nairobi, Eldoret and Kisumu regions of Kenya with the objective to determine and describe the role that Kenyan female consumers' sizing and fit knowledge play in the problems that they experience when selecting apparel. The study was cross‐sectional and 201 female teachers between the ages 25 and 55 years were involved. Participants completed a questionnaire and were measured wearing body suits. Results revealed that most Kenyan female consumers frequently experience problems in getting the right size apparel items, while more than 90% of the consumers are also unsatisfied with the fit of their clothes. It was clear that most Kenyan female consumers are familiar with the non‐informative lettered and numbered size labels as well as with the size label terms that represent established body types. However, the consumers lack knowledge of the meanings of various size label descriptions used on labels of ready‐made apparel and also lack knowledge of their own key body dimensions. They are also confused as to where the cause of their problems lies and therefore blame their bodies as well as the apparel industry for their problems. The importance of knowledge in consumers' selection of apparel that would fit their specific proportions should not be underestimated. Industry should take notice that it is of no use to present consumers with size label information that is not clear, informative and understandable, as currently the case with the use of non‐informative lettered and numbered size codes.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEENAGER'S SELF-MONITORING AND BUYING BEHAVIOUR

People differ in the degree to which they exercise control over their expressive behaviour and self-presentation. This can be measured by a self-monitoring scale. Studies have shown that the consumer behaviour of high and low self-monitors is always different and that an understanding of the relationship can help marketers and advertisers develop effective marketing promotions and strategies to capture their target consumers. The teenage years are a period of transition from childhood to adulthood, and teenagers use clothing as a way of expressing their identity. Teenagers also make up a large part of the market and are therefore of interest for researchers. This paper investigates the relationship between the buying behaviour and self-monitoring of teenagers (13-19 ages old) using Snyder’s Self-Monitoring Scale. The results show that teenagers exhibit different consumer behaviour. A cluster analysis of consumer attitudes towards the selection of apparel can be classified into three major types: practical, brand- and quality-oriented, as well as easy-going.

Apparel Acquisition for Consumers with Disabilities: Purchasing Practices and Barriers to Shopping

Consumers with disabilities from State/Federal Vocational Rehabilitation programs were surveyed to determine the consumers'profile, apparel acquisition practices including preferred shopping site, knowledge of distributors of apparel for consumers with a disability and perceived economic risk, and the frequency and causes of apparel shopping barriers for consumers with functional limitations. Independent apparel selection decisions were made by most of the 625 respondents who rarely had someone shop for them. They purchased apparel more frequently at department, discount, and mass merchandise stores located preferably in shopping malls. While most of the respondents were unaware of retailers of functional apparel, they were willing to spend more for such apparel. Women had more difficulty than men with architectural barriers. Major obstacles were fitting rooms, space between aisles, restrooms, steps, traffic routes through stores, curbs, and merchandise location.

Perceived risk and mail order shopping for apparel

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between perceived risk regarding apparel selection and mail order shopping. One‐hundred and two adult women from a medium‐sized midwestern city in the U.S.A. participated in a telephone survey. Factor analysis uncovered four distinct types of risk associated with mail order shopping: economic, performance‐related, physical and social/psychological. Multivariate and univariate analyses revealed that economic risk was the only risk that was significantly different from other categories of risk. A Scheffé post hoc comparison indicated that economic risk was higher for respondents who were non‐ or infrequent mail order shoppers than for frequent mail order shoppers. These results contribute to the literature on mail order shopping by isolating the product category of apparel. The results can aid catalogue and other direct marketing companies by suggesting that they focus on alleviating economic losses of future clients, thereby making it easier for consumers to capitalize on the convenience features of this patronage mode.

Apparel Selection Criteria as Predictors of Brand Orientation

Over the last decade, demand for brand name apparel products in both discount and department stores has continued to rise. A better understanding of the brand oriented customer is needed to assist businesses in producing and marketing apparel products to meet consumer needs. The purpose of this study was to determine if apparel selection criteria (quality proneness, fiber consciousness, easy care preference and "made in the USA") were predictors of female consumers' brand orientation. A sample of 383 female consumers (ages 25-44) completed a mailed instrument concerning brand orientation and apparel selection criteria. Forward stepwise regression analysis revealed that quality proneness and "made in the USA" were predictors of brand orientation. Results have implications for educators in planning consumer programs and retailers in planning product and promotion mixes, understanding target consumers, and refining training programs.

Apparel Selection by Employed Women: A Typology of Information Search Patterns

The purposes of this study were: 1) to identify segments of employed women purchasers of apparel who display different information search patterns; and 2) to examine the relationship between information search patterns and consumer, product, situational, and market characteristics. Data from a national random sample of 1034 employed women were analyzed. Using a Principal Components Factor Analysis of information search activities, five factors were extracted and labeled: Print-Oriented, Audio-Visual Oriented, Store Intensive, Professional Advice, and Pal Advice Searchers. Based on the highly significant F-tests for each search pattern, it was concluded that employed female consumers' patterns of search for information to use in apparel selection were influenced by characteristics of the consumer, product, and situation, but not the market. By developing profiles of each search pattern, the research provided a basis for theorizing about the determinants of search strategies among apparel consumers. Three broad sets of implications were examined based on the findings of the study. Marketing strategies for the five information search segments are provided.

Apparel Selection Criteria Related to Female Consumers' Lifestyle

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of lifestyle and evaluative criteria for apparel. A random sample of 2,000 female consumers, ages 25-44, was sent questionnaires resulting in a 45 percent return rate (n=842). Principal Components Factor Analysis with Varimax Rotation was used to reduce the number of lifestyle and evaluative criteria items to twelve factors. Coefficients of correlation were used to establish relationships between the lifestyle and evaluative criteria factors. Nineteen significant relationships existed between lifestyle and evaluative criteria verifying that consumers choose apparel products thatfit specific roles in their lifestyle. Results will benefit retailers in understanding consumers, educators in preparing students for apparel merchandising positions, and marketing specialists in planning product promotion strategies.