Search

Perceptions of clothing fit from young consumer perspective were explored to develop an understanding of how they think about dimensions that influence clothing fit and how fit relates to psychological and social experience. The qualitative-dominant mixed methods design included focus group interviews and a survey. Participants were 66 female and male college students. In quantitative responses, respondents reported being slightly satisfied with clothing fit in general. Five qualitative themes emerged as important to understanding fit perceptions: (1) physical fit, (2) aesthetic fit, and (3) functional fit that are relative to (4) social context and that have an impact on (5) social comfort. A conceptual model of fit satisfaction in a social context is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cyclists at different levels of involvement in the sport differ in their use of cycling clothing for role definition. A social psychological model provides the theoretical framework for the study of 56 female bicyclists. Lower involved cyclists did not show a tendency to use dress to compensate for lack of achievement in the sport role. In addition, no differences were found between higher involved and lower involved cyclists in their expression of individuality through dress and conforming behavior to other cyclists. Possible intervening factors, such as gender role socialization, subcultural norms and traditions, experience, and achievement motivation, as evidenced in previous and present research, were discussed as to how they may confound applicability of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation diffusion theory guided research on the process of online apparel shopping adoption (i.e., changes in online shopping adoption) among rural consumers. Rural consumers in 11 states completed surveys in 2000 ( n = 2,198) and in 2003 (n = 879). Variables measured in 2000 were used to predict online apparel purchasing in 2003; structural equation modeling was used for data analysis and yielded satisfactory fit. Results revealed strong support for innovation diffusion theory: Previous practice and characteristics of the decision-making unit ( education, income, innovativeness) affected belief structures. Although beliefs about online shopping measured in 2000 did not affect online apparel shopping adoption in 2000, they did affect online apparel shopping adoption in 2003, demonstrating the dynamic nature of innovation diffusion. Characteristics of the decision-making unit (education, income) indirectly affected online apparel shopping via their influence on previous practice, which was the strongest predictor of online apparel purchasing in 2000 and 2003. General beliefs about the Internet and beliefs about the compatibility of online shopping with respondents' lifestyles predicted online apparel shopping in 2003, whereas beliefs about the benefits and advantages of online shopping did not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]