• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.116-131
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• 2022

This study used text mining to analyze big data to understand consumers' demand for and perceptions of fashion masks. Based on the text-mining analysis results, a survey was conducted with those living in Korea to investigate the influence of consumers' mask selection criteria on mask brand awareness and purchase intention for fashion masks. "Fashion mask" and "functional mask" were used as the keywords in a text-mining analysis, and an online survey of 242 respondents was conducted. The analysis results were as follows: First, the text-mining analysis extracted commonly appearing words that had a high frequency and TF-IDF, such as "COVID-19," "fashion," "celebrity," "antibacterial," and "filter." This confirmed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have demanded masks that are both functional and fashionable. Second, among consumers' mask selection criteria, trend and design had positive effects on face-mask brand awareness. Third, face-mask brand awareness had a positive effect on the purchase intention for both brand and fashion masks, and the purchase intention for brand masks had a positive effect on the purchase intention for fashion masks.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Computer Information Conference
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• 2022.07a
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• pp.337-338
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• 2022

본 연구에서는 마스크 착용이 필수가 된 시대를 살고 있는 20대를 대상으로 하여 마스크에 대해서 어떤 인식을 가지고 있는지를 조사하여 그 인식을 유형화하고 유형별 특성을 알아보고자 하였다. 이를 통해 마스크를 착용하는 사람들이 어떤 생각을 가지고 마스크를 사용하는가와 어떤 제품을 원하는지를 분석하고자 하였다. 본 연구는 Q방법론을 사용하였으며, 분석에는 쿼넬 pc프로그램을 활용하였다. 마스크에 대한 인식유형은 3개로 분류되었다. 유형 1은 마스크를 늘 착용하며 마스크가 비언어적 커뮤니케이션과 착용자의 이미지에 영향을 미친다고 생각하는 '상시 착용 영향 중시형'이었다. 유형 2는 마스크를 세균을 막기 위해 착용하며 마스크가 부정적 영향이 크다고 생각하는 '기능 중시 부정 인식형'이었다. 유형 3은 얼굴을 가리기 위해 마스크를 착용하고 마스크 착용 시 사람이 젊어 보인다고 생각하는 '은폐 착용 긍정 이미지형'이었다. 본 연구는 20대만을 대상으로 하여 다른 연령대의 마스크에 대한 인식을 알아보지 못하였다. 향후 연구에서는 다양한 연령대의 마스크에 대한 인식을 알아볼 필요가 있으며, 인식유형에 따른 마스크 디자인 개발에 관한 연구가 이루어져야 할 것으로 생각된다.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.101-116
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to understand the trends of fashion mask designs as a fashion item with characteristics to protect individual health and safety from harmful environments. To this end, the concept, the trend analysis of the domestic and foreign mask markets, the type, characteristics of functional masks, and the design trend of fashion masks were analyzed. Research methods included case studies and literaturte on mask design, fashion magazines, fashion brand websites, fashion collections, and promotional material. First, masks for personal safety were classified as protective function masks from the natural environment, functional masks by industrial groups, masks for protective functions from biohazards, and masks for protective functions from various external activities. Through this analysis, the design trends of fashion masks were analyzed. The functional orientation of structure and functionality, the environmental orientation of sustainable eco-friendly methods, the fashion orientation of individual fashion styling, and the social functional orientation tend to transmit social messages. In the harmful environment of everyday life, items such as fashion masks with functionality and fashion characteristics should be continuously studied to integrate functional and design characteristics that can contribute to the future fashion industry and the fashion market as a sense of unity and responsibility.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.825-839
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• 2021

This study aims to develop jacquard fashion masks using traditional patterns and investigates the preference and emotions of consumers for them. Nine patterns were designed with the motifs of plum flower, turtle, and geometric patterns using an Adobe Illustrator program. After that, 20 kinds of jacquard fabrics were developed using those patterns, and prototype masks were made. Furthermore, data were collected using a survey of 231 adult consumers to understand the emotional images evoked by jacquard fashion masks with traditional patterns. The results of the research show that the emotional dimension derived from jacquard fashion masks with traditional patterns consists of seven factors: luxurious image, frugal image, feminine image, oriental image, sporty image, geometrical image, generous image. We found that consumers preferred the M6 with the plum flower pattern as the motif as the most preferred design, while M13 with the geometric pattern as the motif was the lowest preferred.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.406-421
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• 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the obligatory wearing of masks has led to increased consumer demand and the diversification of mask design. Accordingly, it is necessary to understand the inner meaning and characteristics of masks in the pandemic situation. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to analyze the characteristics of fashionable masks and their new cultural meaning under the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is based on literature review and empirical research. Drawing on an investigation of the historical evolution of masks and their transition under the pandemic (exhibiting differences in mask culture among countries and regions), this study analyzed 54 distinctive fashion masks designed by fashion brands and influencers that appeared from January 2020 to January 2021. The characteristics of fashion masks identified under the influence of the pandemic are as follows: Message delivery on political issues and human rights; psychological defense and expression of individuality; and conspicuous display via luxurious materials and luxury brand logos; moreover, the design of the mask uses the same material, color, pattern, decoration, and other methods as clothing to achieve the overall style. Over the course of the pandemic (and even in post-pandemic lifestyle), fashion masks are becoming more diversified conveying new social and cultural meanings.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.292-309
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• 2022

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a recession in the fashion industry. Therefore, this study aims to assess the influence of face masks on the selection of fashion products by Korean women in their twenties and thirties. This is highly relevant as the mandatory donning of face masks becomes a social norm. To this end, an in-depth interview and a survey were conducted. The results indicate that wearing a face mask affects consumers' fashion selection criteria in regard to styles, materials, colors, and types. Face masks have gradually contributed to the unification and simplification of fashion styles due to the atmosphere and wearing of the mask itself, which has led to a decline in the overall interest in fashion. Most consumers in this study felt a disconnect between face masks and fashion products, since the former have not been established within most fashion styles. Consequently, consumers had difficulty naturally aligning face masks with various fashion styles, which eventually led to a decreased interest in fashion. This study is significant in that it provides objective data that can be utilized to establish strategies in the fashion industry regarding the integration of face masks.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.52-69
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• 2023

Based on five types of health KF masks currently being commercialized, this study analyzed results of a survey of 316 male and female college students with experience in wearing health masks in Seoul metropolitan area. By identifying problems and improvement requirements according to current status of wearing health masks, results of this study could be used as basic data for designing ergonomic health mask with improved ease of wearing and satisfaction for human safety protection in the future. SPSS 26.0 statistical program was used for all data analyses, including post-hoc test, χ² test for cross-analysis, frequency analysis, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and Duncan test. Considering that masks are worn for more than 8 hours a day on average, it is necessary to design masks considering materials, sizes of mask ear straps, elasticity and thickness of straps. The design should minimize contact with lips and cheeks with improved fit and comfort, blocking performance, and aesthetics. According to this survey, nearly 50% of respondents said they were willing to wear masks even after the end of COVID-19. Thus, it is necessary to perform research and improve masks to have excellent colors, designs, shapes, fit, and functions suitable for both pandemic and post-pandemic era when wearing masks is common.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.399-407
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• 2022

Wearing a mask is essential during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For this study, an online survey was conducted on the actual use of masks among adults in their twenties and older. We used 389 questionnaires for the final analysis, excluding insincere or incomplete questionnaires. We then analyzed the responses using descriptive statistical analysis, frequency analysis, t-test, and ANOVA. More than half of the respondents indicated that they wore a mask for five to ten hours a day, with KF masks being the most frequently used. Participants who most frequently used cloth masks were more likely to consider color, design, and eco-friendliness, while those who used KF masks were more concerned with price and safety. There was no significant difference in purchase satisfaction between mask types, but the purchase intention was higher for KF masks. When purchasing a KF mask, there were significant differences across genders in terms of price and eco-friendliness preferences. There were also significant differences across age groups in price, eco-friendliness, skin irritation, and comfort preferences. Previous studies have shown a significant difference in gender and age in terms of preferred mask colors and designs. However, this survey found no significant difference across these categories. These findings indicate those mask manufacturers should consider safety and eco-friendliness over mask color and design.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.271-286
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• 2023

The global COVID-19 pandemic has transformed face masks from situational accessories to indispensable items in daily life, prompting a shift in public perception and behavior. While the relaxation of mandatory mask-wearing regulations is underway, a significant number of individuals continue to embrace face masks, turning them into a form of personal expression and identity. This phenomenon has given rise to the Fashion Mask industry, characterized by unique designs and colors, experiencing rapid growth in the market. However, existing research on masks is predominantly focused on their efficacy in preventing infection or exploring attitudes during the pandemic, leaving a gap in understanding consumer preferences for mask design. We address this gap by investigating consumer perceptions and preferences for two prevalent mask designs-horizontal fold flat masks and vertical fold flat masks. Through a comprehensive approach involving surveys and eye-tracking experiments, we aim to unravel the subtle differences in how consumers perceive these designs. Our research questions focus on determining which design is more appealing and exploring the reasons behind any observed differences. The study's findings reveal a clear preference for vertical fold flat masks, which are not only preferred but also perceived as unique, sophisticated, three-dimensional, and lively. The eye-tracking analysis provides insights into the visual attention patterns associated with mask designs, highlighting the pivotal role of the fold line in influencing these patterns. This research contributes to the evolving understanding of masks as a fashion statement and provides valuable insights for manufacturers and marketers in the Fashion Mask industry. The results have implications beyond the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of design elements in sustaining consumer interest in face masks.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.851-861
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• 2013

This study analyzed the fashionable characteristics of functional fashion mask types. This study reviewed the literature on masks and analyzed fashion photos found in fashion books, fashion collections and on internet fashion sites. The results were categorized into four characteristics. Integration of structure and function showed mask designs that connected to the hood and portable items. It represented the reflection of nomadic life, liberation, obscurity and the consciousness of discomfort. Signs of playfulness showed mask hybrids and animal images, the mask hybrids and humanoid images, the printing of animal characters, body parts and unusual material hybrids. It represented the liberation from a fixed identity, the loss of seriousness, the reduction of tension and the pursuit of pleasure and freedom. The duplicity of aggression and protection showed a futuristic or aggressive helmet facemask, an enclosed mask of intensive color, and the morphological hybrid of a disgusting or aggressive motif. It represented the end of human weakness, the desire of new self-expression and the longing of superhuman power. Fanciful decoration showed masks with glittery decoration, sunglasses with luxury decoration material, a medical facemask made of lace material and fanciful printing. It showed one facet of extreme consumption, the creation of new personality and value, the pursuit of high quality and a mutual coexistence of status and anonymity.