• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.75-86
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• 2015

As a part of integrated study for technical communication between consumer and manufacturer of functional clothing, functional clothing consumers were categorized based on their perception of the functional outdoor jacket and the differences in the source of information and use of hang-tag were examined according to the groups. Questionnaire survey was conducted on 472 males and females in their 20s to 60s, who have experience of purchasing functional outdoor jackets. Perception of functional outdoor jackets was classified into four factors ('functionality', 'price', 'experience/knowledge' and 'brand/design') and the respondents were categorized into three groups according to the factors: 'unconversant/brand & design pursuing group', 'conversant/function pursuing group' and 'high-priced products preferring group'. 'Unconversant/brand & design pursuing group' was composed of high rate of office workers and students in their 20s and 30s who use internet most frequently as source of information while 'conversant/function pursuing group' was composed of high rate of professionals in their 40s and 50s who make the most frequent use of information on hang-tag. 'High-priced products preferring group', which has high rate of the elderly in their 60s and housewives, obtain their information mainly from salespersons. 'Unconversant/brand & design pursuing group' was satisfied with functional information more than other two groups and 'conversant/function pursuing group' concerned for the hang-tag and required more explanation of terminology used in hang-tag. The results effectively explained the features of consumer groups and their different responses toward the information of functional outdoor jacket.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.83-94
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• 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate effective expression method of performance information of functional clothing and preferred alternatives for the categorized consumer groups according to the perception about the functional outdoor jacket. 472 males and females in their 20s-60s' were surveyed and their answers were analysed and categorized by using SPSS 21.0 statistical program. For the study, four different expression methods for waterproof & breathable fabric, 'illustration only', 'illustration+Korean text', 'illustration+foreign text', and 'chart with Korean text', were presented and asked for finding correct answers. The analysis was done for three categorized consumer groups from the former study, 'unconversant/brand & design pursuing group', 'conversant/function pursuing group' and 'high price/high function preferring group'. The results showed that regardless of groups, 'picture only' was the most preferred method and 'graph' was the least. However, the percentage of correct answers for the 'graph' was the biggest, especially for 'conversant/function pursuing group'. It implied that the effective expression method should be differentiated depending on the target consumer groups. 'Conversant/function pursuing group' more agreed on the need for additional information, such as 'after-washed performance', than other two groups.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2016

Despite both domestic and overseas markets are depressed due to the global financial crisis - the apparel industry is no exception, the market for the outdoor wears including the hiking ones has been recording a high growth rate, making the outdoor wear a high growth industry. The purpose of this study was to provide some basic data useful to our outdoor businesses to help them respond to consumers' needs in the rapidly growing outdoor markets. For silhouettes, the point was given primarily to the oblique cutting to have it follow the human body curves and thereby, look natural and slim. Another point was given to the color schemes along the cutting lines, so that an effect of optical illusion could be created to make the wears look slim making use of lines and colors. On the other hand, in consideration of the rapidly changing weather conditions during hiking, the details were designed practically by setting appropriate hip lengths, using attachable/detachable hoods as well as applying the Velcro & rubber band-type set-in sleeves for the tail edges. As discussed above, the researcher analyzed the design elements for the outdoor wears and developed some sensuous designs meeting consumers' needs to help our outdoor wear businesses to expand their target base, while awakening them of the importance of the outdoor fashion.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.446-455
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• 2014

This study revealed the results related to the functionality of outdoor wear required when man and women in their 30s to 50s engage in outdoor activities. Based on the results of the survey, we proposed composition draft for a smart outdoor jacket with main functions of GPS device and light-emitting device using solar cell and EL. Absorption and release of sweat, functionality regarding rain and wind, and lightweightness, etc. from material functionalities of outdoor wear were found to be important. From function required in clothing for outdoor activity, location tracking, night glow, and lighting functions were found to be most important. For results investigating the necessity of the jacket's location tracking function and lighting function using solar cell, high scores of 3.9~4.0 were given. Purchase intentions for smart outdoor jacket with location tracking and lighting functions devised by this study were fairly positive and most responses indicated that the appropriate purchase price was between 200,000 to 300,000 won while possible problems of this smart outdoor jacket were listed in the order of washing inconvenience, high price, device weight, and discomfort in movement. The draft proposal to integrate with wearable devices for smart outdoor jacket prototype is as follows: Solar cell has been attached to the upper arm but placed inside a transparent pocket which has been detachable for washing convenience while the solar cell and controller have been integrated into a single unit. Using frequent movement exhibited by the arms, EL has been attached along the center line of the raglan sleeve for easy spotting when used as an emergency signal or for night lighting function during outdoor activity. GPS has been attached on the left sleeve so that the person can bend the left arm inward and operate the GPS screen with the right hand while walking or running outdoors.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.63 no.7
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• pp.1-16
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• 2013

The objective of this study is to analyze the characteristic of a functional design for a commercial outdoor brand jacket based on 3 types of functions : windproof, waterproof, and cold proof. To analyze the design and fabric characteristics of outdoor jackets by function, 903 men's and women's outdoor jacket images were selected from the catalogues during S/S 2009 - F/W 2011 of the 6 brands: The North Face, Columbia Sports Wear, Kolon Sports, K2, Arcteryx and Mont-Bell. These brands were selected based on their high market share and brand awareness of the outdoor brands in Korea. In this study, design elements analysis was conducted as following 8 elements: hood/collar height/central front flap/waistline/pocket location/ventilation for the body part/sleeve patterns/cuff for the sleeve part. Fabrics were analyzed by the frequency of fabric types used in the 3 jacket types. According to the result derived from the analysis of the six brands of outdoor wear jacket design trends by year, detachable hood and a co-use of velcro and elastic bands have been mainly designed for all of windproof, waterproof, and cold proof jacket to all in order to respond quickly to changes in the external environment. For reinforced storage function on trekking, the number of pockets has been gradually growing, and a function was being developed to connect an electronic device to a pocket. The method, result, and collateral observations relevant to each of these phases are described. Outdoor jacket design characteristics were investigated for outdoor brands, which can provide data to suggest more accurate functional design, and satisfy functional design needs. In this regard, this research was significant in the sense that it suggested preliminary data to reconsider competitiveness of the brand products.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.167-181
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• 2011

This study had researched purchase trend and preference of jacket design in order to develop a prototype of an outdoor wear jacket that can be worn for a light outdoor activity targeting middle-aged men and women. An outdoor wear was purchased mostly in a permanent discount store and functionality such as activity and material was considered as important in addition to design. There was difference in ages for the jacket style, but in general, people preferred a wind protection jacket and men preferred black colors and women preferred red colors. For the design of jacket, both men and women had preferred a jacket that has moderate fitness with detachable hat and a zipper, and it was applied to the prototype. The jacket had applied different color in the armhole line that is connected to sleeve in order to make waist look slimmer and stretchable material was used to improve functionality in the armpit part.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.63 no.8
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• pp.143-155
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• 2013

The outdoor apparel market has been growing very fast recently, and consumers are spending more time doing outdoor activities for their leisure. As the outdoor apparel market is growing, it has started to combine functionality with style to provide more diverse designs and colors for all ages. The increase of interest in heathy life-styles, outdoor activities, and leisure has lead to a rise in demand for outdoor apparel. Now outdoor apparel have become a part of people's daily casual wear in addition to being worn for outdoor activities. This study is focused on a outdoor jacket design which is used as down-alternative material and the purpose of this study is to design outdoor jackets using a down-alternative fabrics that improve the thermal and lightweight effects for clothing comfort, and increase the satisfaction of wearing down-alterative outdoor jacket. The research of this paper was done by using a questionnaire survey. The survey was used to examine the male customers' outdoor activities, purchase behaviors, place, expense and design preferences. Then, down-like fabric was used to make the prototype down jacket and its design, function, and satisfaction with wearing compared with other brands down jacket products were analyzed. Although duck down fabrics are representative of outdoor jackets, they have many problems that need to be solved such as feathers falling out or its vulnerability to moisture. They have competitive prices compared to down jackets so down-alternative jackets are able to gain more proportion of its market share.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.31-46
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• 2018

This study was carried out to offer basic data that can be used for outdoor wear production for active senior males, emerging as a new consumer bracket in the era of rapid aging. To this end, this study modified and complemented the patterns of outdoor jackets for active senior males based on existing outdoor jackets that received the most excellent evaluation. On the basis of the research outdoor wear wearing assessment results, this study confirmed those areas to be modified and proposed areas to be considered in manufacturing outdoor wear for this demographic. As a result of existing outdoor wear's wearing assessment, the jacket of brand B was shown to be the most excellent one. This study actually designed research outdoor wear patterns by modifying the problematic parts through the addition and subtraction of spare length or circumference in the sections where fit satisfaction was low by referring to the selected brands' patterns. The research outdoor wear was designed by referring to the preferred outdoor types and colors that were highlighted in the previous survey result of consumer wearing reality, based on the designs of the outdoor wear receiving the most excellent assessment in wearing assessment. Fabric that specially glued two-layered mesh that bonded the thin membrane of synthetic resin with polyester fabric was used as the material in this study. Wearing assessment was conducted by comparing the manufactured research outdoor wear and the existing outdoor wear selected as excellently assessed outdoor wear. Consequently, this study verified that the wearing fit of the research outdoor wear was more excellent in most items. This study proposed final patterns for outdoor jackets suitable for active senior males through the modification of several items that required improvements as per the wearing assessment of the research outdoor wear.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.120-139
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• 2024

Considering the need for a clothing product design strategy for the sustainable growth of outdoor brands, this study analyzed an outdoor consumer survey applying selected sustainable elements, reflected the results in design planning, suggested prototypes, and presented a design strategy. The consumer survey was conducted from July 19 to July 25, 2022, and 216 respondents were used for analysis. As a result of the outdoor consumer survey analysis of selected sustainable elements, the most preferred outdoor design concept involved the keywords 'zero waste' and 'transformable design' from a sustainable economic perspective. An outer jacket design was then created focusing on these two keywords and a prototype was produced. The SCD (sustainability, consumer, designer) design strategy was presented as a strategy for sustainable growth of outdoor brands, and the key factors of this strategy are as follows: (a) application of sustainable design elements, (b) reflection of consumer opinions on sustainability, (c) designers' sustainable mindset and decisions.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.800-810
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• 2014

In this study, the current status of product information of functional outdoor jackets in the hang-tags was investigated in perspective of consumer protection. Effectiveness and preferred alternatives to hang-tag information were also investigated. For the market survey, 1560 hang-tags from 676 functional outdoor jackets were investigated. For the effectiveness and preferred alternatives, 472 adults in their 20-60's were surveyed. The average number of hang-tags was 2.3 but 5.9% did not provide any product information. The contents included functional property of fabric; quality guarantee; brand introduction; product characteristics; instructions for care/usage; subsidiary material information, and they were different depending on end-use of jackets. Consumers strongly wanted explanations of the terms used in the hang-tag and could not accurately figure out the functions of the products from hang-tag information regardless of expression methods. The percentage of incorrect answer of 'figure/foreign language' method was extremely high. It is a noticeable feature of graph method that customers perceived that the graph was difficult to understand, but the percentage of correct answers was much higher than other methods, implying that graph method was possibly more useful at delivering accurate information to the customers who pursuit information. Customers strongly agreed to need of alternative methods and preferred an unified performance grade from selected functions based on the end-use of products. Customers also wanted to include the information of performance change after laundering. The results could provide practical insights to the consumers, companies, and the government to prepare proper guideline/policies for consumer protection.