• The International Journal of Costume Culture
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.97-118
• /
• 1999

Ever since China adopted a free market economy, it has been basking in unprecedented economic growth. It has now emerged as one of the most promising markets in the world for the near future. The purpose of this study was to investigate of Chinese and Korea college female students's cognitive body type and to suggest basic informations for high quality clothing merchandising for china export. The subjects in this study were 430 college female students, aged from 18 to 24 living in Beijing(215) and Seoul(215). The survey were taken from June to July, 1999. SAS(Statistical Analysis System) is used for frequency, percentage, average, standard deviation, χ²-test. The results of this study are as follows. The 90% of Chinese collge female students has under 4000 yuan for monthly income, and they consume less than 1000 yuan for clothing purchasing for one year. About 42% chinese students are interested in controlling of physical body shape. The Korean college female students has from 1,000,000 won to 10,000,000 won for monthly income, and the 84% of them consume less than 1,000,000 for clothing purchasing for one year. It represents of economical difference between China and Korea. Examination on the Korean and Chinese self-perception on obesity of the body as a whole showed that both groups perceived themselves as normal or slightly overweight. More Korean respondents regarded their weight as normal than the Chinese did. The Chinese female college students perceived themselves rather overweight, and held a lower satisfaction level about their physical construction. While the Korean female college students showed low satisfaction level about specific bodily parts, they held a normal level of satisfaction about their physical construction as a whole. It is noteworthy that more Chinese respondents generally held lower satisfaction impressions about their physical construction than their Korean counterparts. It is needed to different merchandising project for export clothing in China.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.585-595
• /
• 2006

The purpose of this study is to classify the fashion images on sportive style, to find out the difference between the image of sportive style which consumers prefer and the image of sportive style which they want to show and, finally, to analyze their purchase behavior. This research is done with survey method. The subjects of the survey are 835 females in their twenties or their thirties in Pusan area. The data are analyzed with factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, $X^2$-test, and frequency analysis. The results of this study are as follows: first, sportive style is classified into Sexy, Romantic, Active and Modem image. Second, the results of analysis on consumers' preferring image and their wanting-to-show image to the above-mentioned image classification are as follows: firstly, the subjects' most preferring image and the image which they most want to show is Modem in1age. The second is Sexy image. But the subjects preferred having Modem image. Secondly, consumers' Individuality and apparel's Function are the important reasons to choose the sportive style. Thirdly, Modem image is the most preferred in the images of street wear. Sexy image and Active image are the preferred in the images of sports wear. Third, It is a vivid tone and a dark tone that is the color tone of sportive wear which consumers prefer. They prefer a logo- patterned sports wear, too. The consumers obtain most information on sports wear from sports wear stores. Silhouette is the most decisive design element in consumers' purchasing. The sports wear brands which the subjects prefer are Adidas and Nike.

• International Journal of Human Ecology
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.117-128
• /
• 2012

This study compares the net effect of wearing different shoulder/arm armor systems on garment impediment perception and wearer acceptability. Two independent variables in this study were armor systems and shoulder/ arm movements. There were four armor systems of control garment and arm armor systems A, B, and C as well as five types of arm/shoulder movements, (shoulder flexion, should extension, shoulder abduction, shoulder horizontal flexion, and shoulder horizontal extension). Ten male volunteers wearing size medium battle dress uniform (BDU) with recent relevant military experience participated in this study. The volunteers performed shoulder/arm movements (while wearing each armor treatments) and completed the garment impediment perception as well as wearer acceptability scales. The body areas of neck side, shoulder top, and armscye front showed the highest frequency of reported impediments. Resistance to movement and localized pressure were the most frequently mentioned types of impediment. The armor system B had the most areas of impediment, and was rated as more restrictive than the control garment and armor system A for each movement. For wearer acceptability, no significant differences were found between the control garment and armor system A for all eight items; this indicated that subjects did not perceive a difference between wearing the control garment and armor system A. There was a trend for wearer acceptability to decrease from wearing the control garment to armor systems A to C to B.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
• /
• v.17 no.6
• /
• pp.907-918
• /
• 2015

With the pervasiveness of digital environment and expansion of new media, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) leads the role of consumer to change from a passive customer into an active co-producer. As customer participation in the fashion industry increases, this study attempts to explore the cases of customer participation as a co-producer in fashion industry through analyzing business models of companies, including Threadless, Blank label, Cut on Your Bias, Acustom Apparel, Thinkgivers. The results show that customer participation is mainly facilitated through design participation in fashion industry, with different level of participation and IT as well as different contribution target. Compared to the past, consumer’s preference is reflected through participation before the stage of production. Results indicate three main characteristics of customer participation in fashion industry. First, value co-creations using customer experiences and understanding customer needs are important. Second, active online communication among customers are critical. Third, it is important to ensure customer’s own item. From a customer perspective, participation enables them to purchase their own distinctive product and offers exciting experience and satisfaction over the production processes, and compensation can be used to increase customer participation. On the other hand, companies using customer participation can take advantage of cost reduction in product development, inventory, and marketing. Customer participation, as a win-win strategy for business and consumer, is expected to expand further in the future with the development of ICT.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.468-475
• /
• 2015

This study has examined the 20's and the 30's Korean who have a desire, 'to be getting younger' and how to relate what appearance management-behavior they follow. The methodology of this study used both theoretical and quantitative research for an empirical study. First, a theoretical study researched a big stream of the 20's and the 30's Koreans' to be getting younger' on articles based on the social and cultural background of the past 30 years that defined various concepts of age through previous research. Data was also collected via SMS for five months (August to December 2014) and 96 Korean participants in their 20's and the 30's who have lived in and around Seoul. The results of the survey analysis showed that the desire of 'to be getting younger' irrelevant to the age among Korean young people. In addition, this tendency to be the ideal age as being younger is realized by appearance management sort of skin care or clothing styling among 20's and the 30's Korean. This study suggested a phenomenon, 'to be getting younger' in Korean society would lead to an alternative sort of age that targets individual taste rather than the chronological age in the apparel market.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.587-600
• /
• 2011

This study presents the strategic directions for Korean multi-brand fashion stores by running in-depth industry research and market analysis. Over 20 professionals were selected from Korean multi-brand fashion stores for this study and in-depth interviews were conducted to evaluate related subjects. The results of the study were as follows. First, Korean multi-brand fashion stores could be classified into three criteria: operating ownership, merchandise mix, and store identity. Second, operating ownership criterion was chosen for further investigations of strategies and directions of the multi-brand fashion stores. The operating ownership criterion consists of three types; department store types, specialty store types, and boutique types. Each type deploys different buying practice, organizational strategies, and distribution channels. Lastly, the suggested strategic directions for each type are summarized as follows. The 'department store type' should utilize its strong direct buying capabilities and acquisition of merchandising can be more effectively managed. The store should utilize its strong buying power as a tool to develop new private brands (PBs). For 'specialty store type', two key factors have been derived: market share expansion and positioning themselves to become a new distribution channel. To respond to these factors, the store needs to be perceived as a brand then diversify its business. Strengthening its brand will allow it to expand into a new distribution channel and also enable a strategic partnership with its competitor brands. The factors influencing 'boutique type' is personalization and uniqueness. With an emphasis on the uniqueness of products and merchandising it will be able to implement the role as a personal shopper and stylist to provide a very personalized service to its customers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
• /
• v.40 no.6
• /
• pp.1085-1099
• /
• 2016

This article is designed to establish fundamental design criterion for theme park cast costumes in accordance with play type and space. There is an understanding that theme parks act as a play space that is designed to meet diverse playing desires. To analyze cast costumes, the theme park - 'Everland' in South Korea as an example, area was divided into attraction space and non-attraction space. Attraction space is mainly for full-scale play content areas and the non-attraction space is to enforce the attraction space experience. Roger Caillois's play theory states that there are 4 play types; Illinx, Mimicry, $Ag{\hat{o}}n$, and Alea. All 4 play types were shown through attraction and Mimicry at non-attraction. Each cast costume was analyzed in terms of apparel design elements - silhouette, textile, color, detail, and props - related to play type facility and cast role. Criteria for theme park cast costume designs were suggested based on the results. Illinx cast members who fulfill a safety-checking role wear high chroma warm color costumes with the accent on details in bodice cutting lines, collar edges, pockets, buttons and decorative ornaments. A complementary contrast is also used. The guidance cast in Illinx may wear a suit in bright/vivid color. Mimicry guidance cast costumes show meticulous perfection in imitation with the figure in its space. From head to toe, color, textile, and silhouette - every detail and even props should match the character. $Ag{\hat{o}}n$ cast costumes are strictly limited in detail and decorative ornament usage as well as in color, since they are in charge of the management and operation of a competition. Alea cast's role is a self-demonstrator. Alea cast members should be a real tarot card reader. However, a manual should control their costumes. A total of 10 cast roles at a non-attraction space should be designed to show job patterns clearly in accordance with the whole theme at the park.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
• /
• v.36 no.6
• /
• pp.616-630
• /
• 2012

This study examines the impact of consumer knowledge and familiarity with private label brands (PLBs) on perceptions and preferences toward PLBs and patronage intentions; in addition, it examines the incremental effects of a department store image over consumer knowledge and familiarity with perceptions, preferences, and patronage intentions. This study focused on midscale department store PLBs of apparel products and middle age consumers between the ages of 30 and 50 who are the main consumer group of private label brands of apparel products. A structured questionnaire was developed and data were collected from a convenience sample of 257 female consumers between the ages of 35 and 54, living in the Southeastern United States. A factor analysis identified the dimensions of department store image constructs; in addition, a hierarchical regression and multiple regression analyses examined the hypotheses. Consumer knowledge and familiarity with PLBs at department stores is recognized as a major determinant to shape consumer perceptions of and preferences for the PLBs as well as patronage intentions. The present study reveals the significant incremental effect of a store image on consumer preferences, perceptions, and patronage intentions beyond that explained by consumer knowledge and familiarity about PLBs. The study reveals that, among four store image constructs, the store atmosphere and store service factors had significant positive effects on consumer perceptions of PLBs. Store service and atmospheric aspects also affect consumer patronage intentions toward PLBs. The price factor shows a significant and positive influence on the preference consumers have for PLBs, but not on perceptions and patronage intentions. This study has practical implications for department store executives and managers on how to allocate resources in order to increase positive consumer perceptions toward PLBs, preferences over other brands, and patronage intentions of PLBs at a store as well as how to create effective store environments to promote PLBs.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.6 no.10
• /
• pp.163-173
• /
• 2006

It is frequent to develop the fashion product through predict purchasing needs of consumers in Textile and Fashion Industry. If failed in its prediction, that is, if consumers would not purchase the product, there comes some problems that big sale is inevitable or stock increase tremendously. Otherwise, Quick Response System allows that the company observe the consumer's needs consistently and design products and establish manufacture schedule rapidly so that they could prohibit the products unnecessarily stocked. Consumer's preference is collected and analyzed through the data generated by POS system, and this is provided to the related manufacturer through network in realtime, so that the manufactures could merchandise, produce and provide the products according to the consumer's need. Thus, this study developed POS system-education program, that is, the merchandising of apparel product, product by prediction, retailer, purchase behavior, reduction in stock inventory and product lead time, cooperative system between apparel company and retailer, and conformation to the consumer's needs are included in this program, through binding the new technology in textile and fashion industry for the purpose of Quick Response system.

• International Journal of Human Ecology
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.87-99
• /
• 2011

Purpose- The purpose of this study was to compare the fit of two prototype liquid cooled vests using a 3D body scanner and accompanying software. The objectives of this study were to obtain quantitative measurements of ease values, and to use these data to evaluate the fit of two cooling vests in active positions and to develop methodological protocol to resolve alignment issues between the scans using software designed for the alignment of 3D objects. Design/methodology/approach- Garment treatments and body positions were two independent variables with three levels each. Quantitative dataset were dependent variables, and were manipulated in 3x3 factorial designs with repeated measures. Scan images from eight subjects were used and ease values were obtained to compare the fit. Two different types of analyses were conducted in order to compare the fit using t-test; those were radial mean distance value analysis and radial distance distribution rate analysis. Findings- Overall prototype II achieved a closer fit than prototype I with both analyses. These were consistent results with findings from a previous study that used a different approach for evaluation. Research limitations/implications- The main findings can be used as practical feedback for prototype modification/selection in the design process, making use of 3D body scanner as an evaluation tool. Originality/value- Methodological protocols that were devised to eliminate potential sources of errors can contribute to application of data from 3D body scanners.