In the fashion and retail industry, a group of startups, referred to as Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brands, are proliferating. DTC brands are defined as e-commerce brands that sell directly to consumers, without retailer ‘middlemen’ like department stores. They typically begin as a purely online business, fully leveraging digital channels for marketing and selling. Given the limited research on the topic

A smart insole system consisting of pressure sensors, wireless communication modules, and pressure monitoring software has been developed to measure plantar pressure distribution that appears in sewing process. This system calculates the cycle time of each operation by analyzing the real-time plantar pressure data. The operation cycle time was divided into the time done by machine and by manual and

The study aims to develop charging devices for wearable electromagnetic energy harvesting textiles (WEHT). Electromagnetic energy through human movement can be easily and naturally generated and is not significantly affected by environmental factors, however, the electric current generated by the electromagnetic method of human movement is difficult to efficiently charge. Three charging circuits for

The adoption of Additive Manufacturing (AM) has gradually transformed the fashion industry through innovation and technology over the last decade. Novel AM systems and techniques are continuously being developed, leading to the application of AM polymers with textiles and fabrics in the fashion industry. This work investigates the development and testing of polymer–textile composites using polylactic

While the popularity of athletic footwear or “sneakers” has been widely assessed within academic literature, few studies to date have examined the influence of a specific sneaker subculture called “Sneakerheads”. Moreover, the brand preferences and brand identities that may exist within the Sneakerhead subculture have not been extensively examined. To address this gap in the research, semi-structured

A night vision device (NVD) equipped on a ballistic helmet violates the locational stability of a helmet, and sweating remaining inside a helmet can also reduce helmet stability. This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of sweating and mounting a NVD on helmet stability. Nine healthy males participated in the experiments which consisted of military simulated tasks and 20 min walking. Subjective

The purpose of this study was to develop a highly comfortable 3D male hip protector using 3D modeling and printing technologies. The hip protector pads and patterns were devised using 3D human body shapes, and three types of pads were chosen in consideration of snowboarding motions. The three types of pads were as follows: first, the original type with no hole; second, an inner open type with an incision

Embroidery through computer aided semi-automatic machines is one of the most widely used option for the surface ornamentation of apparel fabrics at present. Since the embroidery process includes addition of certain amount of embroidery-threads depending upon the design motif, it is quite obvious that basic physical and functional properties of fabric are subject to change. It is therefore important

In order to prevent light-colored clothes from being stained by dyes released from dark clothes during the washing process, some new-type washing machines have developed the dye transfer inhibition washing program. However, there is no certified reference materials for the test of dye transfer inhibition function. To this end, cotton fabric and reactive dyes are used as experimental materials to prepare

Most Korean apparel companies lack suitable dress forms for the different body types of middle-aged Korean women, resulting in poor clothing fit for them. As a part of an ongoing project to develop a dress form that fully reflects Korean middle-aged women’s bodies, this study classified the body shapes and examined the anthropometric characteristics of women in their 40s and 50s. The 3D anthropometric

This study aims to identify fashion trends with design features and provide a consumer-driven fashion design application in digital dynamics, by using text mining and semantic network analysis. We examined the current role and approach of fashion forecasting and developed a trend analysis process using consumer text data. This study focuses on analyzing blog posts regarding fashion collections. Specifically

This study qualitatively examines the “non-boundaries of style” represented in fashion on a social media platform. The term “non-boundary” refers to a nonlinear boundary or distinction based on the more flexible time and space in the digital era, rather than a space at a certain time. Based on a theoretical review of media ecology, that is, how the media environment transforms human experience and

On January 21, 2017, several million protesters took part in the “Women’s March on Washington” and its more than 400 sister Marches held in cities throughout the U.S. and across the globe. One enduring image of these Marches was the (often pink) pussyhat. In this qualitative study we examine broader issues of inclusion and exclusion within craftivism and take a closer look at the way craftivism supported

This study sheds light on a prominent issue in retailing: how the digital atmosphere can affect the consumer decision-making process in a fashion retail store. Digital devices and services such as digital screens and digital signage are widely employed in fashion retail stores, transforming the way consumers make decisions about purchasing fashion products. This research investigates how the digital

With this interpretive study, we sought to understand how weaving as an activity contributed to constructing women handloom weavers’ cultural identity in the region of Ri-Bhoi, a district in Meghalaya, India, by exploring weavers’ experiences through changing tides of modernization in the handloom industry of the region. We adopted a lens of symbolic interaction to consider the ways in which interactions

Bio ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) produced with sugarcane-derived ethylene is an eco-friendly alternative material that can perform similarly to an oil-based synthetic rubber while reducing dependence on fossil resources. In this study, bio-EPDM/tungsten oxide nanocomposite was prepared to improve thermal insulation properties of bio-EPDM foam for application in highly functional eco-friendly

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) peel extract as a reductant for indigo dyeing. Dried persimmon peel was water extracted and its sugar contents and functionalities were determined. Its reducing power was studied in terms of redox potential of the indigo bath and color strength (K/S value) of the ramie fabrics dyed in the indigo reduction bath. Total

The wearing of ballistic helmets commonly coordinated with a night vision device (NVD) often imposes a load to the neck of a soldier. A lighter ballistic helmet promises comfort and enhanced combat performance, but technological developments have not provided a complete solution satisfying all the requirements, including cost. Moreover, the change in munition has led to increasing demand for the attachment

Myanmar, once known as Burma, has a substantial history in the textiles and apparel industry. In the past, the nation’s contribution to the industry was small compared to that of other Asian nations. However, Myanmar’s global trade in textiles and apparel products has increased dramatically after the European Union suspended its sanctions in 2013 and after the United States issued a waiver and general

This study investigates how drag queen imagery in advertising and mainstream consumers’ tolerance towards homosexuality (i.e., drag queens) affect their attitudes towards the advertisement and brand in the context of beauty brand advertising. Based on the social identity theory, this study posits that implicit (vs. explicit) drag queen-themed imagery and consumers holding high tolerance as an in-group

The apparel industry is replete with assumptions regarding the body-garment relationship. Traditional anthropometry focuses on linear body measurements, which are inadequate to describe and classify the human body-form for apparel pattern development. To enable the development of a body-form based block system, this case study explored the body-garment relationship for a sheath dress to determine if

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Women prefer to wear a sports bra not only for exercising, but also during resting and daily activities, highlighting deficiencies in current sports bra designs. The purpose of this study was to design, develop, and evaluate a sports bra that offers responsive behavior, in terms of breast support and comfort, both during rest and running conditions. A biomimetic design framework guided the conceptual

Smart clothing is believed to have an enormous growth potential, but at present, it is not so attractive in terms of sales. This study identified various obstacles affecting consumers’ interest in smart clothing. Interviews were conducted with consumers who are resistant to innovation, those who would continue to use their phones and wearable devices of which safety and functionality have already been

This study investigated the body image experiences unique to collegiate female athletes in relation to their apparel wear. Female athletes (n = 36) participated in interview sessions, 3D body scanning, and photography of garment fit, and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ). Through Qualtrics, the MBSRQ was distributed to female college students nationwide, to obtain a larger

This study investigated how corporate sustainability performance can be attained through the interface of corporate ethical values and leader-member exchange, and how employees’ positive and negative behaviors can influence these relationships. A total of 310 data sets were collected and used to test our hypotheses. To assess the factorability of the variables, exploratory factor analysis was conducted

This article departs from the century-long understanding that fashion connects ‘life and art’, an understanding once advocated by Hans Siemsen in his avantgarde journal Zeit-Echo, to discuss how the museum constitutes an important space, or arena, where this connection is taking place. The museum as we know it is a space dedicated to displaying objects of art—and to some degree, of everyday life objects—and

Humans wear products and use tools that interface with their hands to provide abrasion resistance, impact protection, grip, thermal comfort, and detailed maneuvers. The skills needed to design new and innovative products for the hand are multi-faceted. Academic programs in the US typically focus on soft goods (textile and apparel) or hard goods (industrial and product design/engineering) based design

This study investigated the effects of weight increase of firefighters’ boots on physiological and psychological strain. Seven young males (70.9 ± 4.8 kg in body mass, BM) participated in the following four boot conditions while wearing standard firefighting personal protective equipment: 3.2, 3.9, 4.6, and 5.3 kg (4.5, 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5%BM). The results showed that the four boot conditions resulted

The wearable acceptability range (WEAR) Scale has been a useful tool used in consumer behaviour and product development research to better identify the social acceptance of wearable devices. In this study, we aimed to introduce an extended WEAR Scale to the apparel field by (a) refining existing measurement items and (b) validating this scale for use with smart apparel. Using a quantitative research

Despite the importance of the baby boomer generation, there is relatively scarce research focused on that consumer group. Based on the framework of product experience, this study explores the experiences of older baby boomers associated with consumer-clothing attachment. The interpretive approach utilized in-depth interviews with 18 older baby boomers born between 1946 and 1955 to enquire about their

The textile sector is one of the most representative of Spanish industry, contributing to the wealth of the country with close to 10% of the business fabric in Spain. However, in spite of this daily consumption little is known about the guarantees of traceability clothes labelling must inform about. The purpose of this study is to present a work of analysis of the compliance with the content of the

This study investigated how various dimensions of body dissatisfaction of men in Generation Y (i.e., body dissatisfaction-weight, body dissatisfaction-muscles, and body dissatisfaction-height) influenced their clothing related behavioral responses, including clothing image avoidance and clothing purchase behavior. Self-esteem was included as a predictor variable for the three dimensions of body dissatisfaction

This study collected fundamental data on the current status of construction workers’ clothes in South Korea, and categorized it based on construction site environment and job position. The study was conducted via a survey of 102 construction workers comprising both managers and laborers. In addition, a detailed interview-based questionnaire was used to ask three workers at the construction site to

The aim of the present study was to evaluate how the business-to-business (B2B) networks in the Japanese textile and apparel industry changed between 2005 and 2010 using data on 200 companies. Network analysis was used to study the properties of the B2B networks, and how their structures changed was characterized using the USD/JPY exchange rate. The network analysis revealed power-law properties of

Conveyor fused deposition modelling (CFDM) 3D printing of graphene (GR)/polylactic acid (PLA) composite filament offers a unique capability to manufacture tailorable honeycomb structures which can be designed and optimized for specific applications. Among the various filaments that can be used for 3D printing, PLA, carbon black (CB)/PLA, and GR/PLA filaments were collected and then examined by differential

This study aims to present a comprehensive model that effectively explains dissatisfaction, complaint behavior, and revisiting intentions of hair service consumers through an empirical analysis. In order to empirically verify the conceptual model, a questionnaire was developed based on previous studies and responses that were collected through an online survey agency. Subjects were Korean female consumers

Many luxury firms have successfully adopted online sales and online sales growth has outperformed offline sales growth. As online luxury sales continue to grow, service expectations in digital and instore channels are also expected to grow. To add to the research literature, the top performing 46 luxury apparel and accessories websites identified in the Luxury e-Commerce Report from Internet Retailer

The objectives of this study are to identify the principal components that represent distinctive shapes from the silhouette and profile views of the lower body shapes of abdominal obese Korean men and to categorize their body types. Using 3D scans of 625 men aged 35–64 in the 6th SizeKorea dataset, 173 scans (27.7%) of men in ‘abdominal obese’ category (BMI value of 25, waist girth to height ratio

We asked when and how mobile phones are represented in Vogue (US) and L’Officiel (FR) between 1993 and 2017, and in what sense their presence in such magazines can be understood as making them into fashion items. The question is warranted since these magazines act as critical gatekeepers to fashion, at the same time as it has been argued that the latter is spreading its influence from clothes to other

Today, fashionable menswear is appropriating traditionally feminine design elements on an unparalleled international scale. This phenomenon should not be interpreted purely as a subversive gender issue, but should also be viewed as an expression of personal style and taste. In order to properly describe this phenomenon, the term ‘crosssexual’ must be introduced to English fashion vocabulary. This paper

Bridelia ferruginea B dye was extracted from the bark of the tree using aqueous extraction method. Extracted dye was used to dye cellulosic (cotton) fabric in presence of 5% calcium chloride (CaCl2) or 5% alum (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O) of weight of fabric (o.w.f) as mordant. Fabric dyed without mordant was lighter in hue than metal ion mordanted dyed fabrics. The fabrics dyed in presence of calcium chloride

The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze physical properties of different fluorescent fabrics and retroreflective materials to determine their compliance to international standard for high-visibility warning clothing. Four fluorescent fabrics were selected for the study: a PET 71%/Cotton 23%/PU 6% fabric used in public road cleaner uniforms in Korea (S1), an ISO-compliant Japan-made PET

The number of single consumers in Korea has recently undergone a rapid increase, making this demographic a major consumer market. Through this study, we attempt to better understand this group by focusing on single consumers’ decision-making and the factors influencing their fashion purchases. To this end, we investigate the relationships between feelings of self-consciousness, information search tendencies

International virtual human body (VHB) standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifically used in virtual garment systems in the apparel field, as suggested in ISO/TC 133/WG 2 (Working group 2), contain fundamental content regarding definitions of terms, attributes of composition, and the expression and alteration of VHBs. As the first attempt in the series of international

Current methodologies for evaluation of antibacterial properties of traditional textiles are not applicable to foil-backed, poorly-absorbent electrospun nanofiber materials, since existing test methods require absorbent fabrics. Since electrospun nanofibers are adhered to the foil backing only by electrostatic interactions, methods used to evaluate antibacterial properties of surfaces cannot be used

Given that numerous fashion brands constantly struggle to survive, it is important to learn how consumers evaluate and change their attitudes toward the downward extensions of mass-production fashion businesses, particularly those that originate in Hong Kong. Through capitalizing on the parent brand’s equity earned through enhancing consumer preferences and building loyalty, companies’ brand extension

The purpose of this study was to develop a shoe sizing system for elderly men in Korea based on previous studies which analyzed aspects and shapes of the sole of those who aged 60 years or more. The sizing system creation process included natural log-transformation, principle component analysis, multivariate linear regression, size range determination, and measurements calculation. Measurement interval

In this study, the effect of 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) on the fabrication of PDA/PU nanofibers was examined. The PDA/PU nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning PU and PCDA at different mixing ratios, followed by photopolymerization. The viscosity and conductivity of the spinning solution and the morphology of the fabricated nanofibers were analyzed. We also examined the chemical structure

Transformable apparel offers two or more functional and/or alternative aesthetic styles through various manipulative methods, which is considered a sustainable alternative in the fashion industry to reduce excess clothing consumption. The study intends to identify the influences of environmental apparel knowledge, environmental beliefs, and personal values on consumers’ intention to purchase transformable

The purpose of this study is to propose the most suitable sewing method to produce wetsuits using neoprene fabric. To construct a sewing method sample using neoprene fabric, the samples were prepared using two thicknesses (1.5 t and 3 t) of neoprene fabric. Sewing techniques comprised 10 different methods. The respective seam strengths (KSK 0530) and water resistance (KSK ISO 811) of each sample were

The use of the three-dimensional (3D) printing technique is gaining popularity due to its ability to produce products with minimum waste. 3D printing can be used to add polymers onto woven fabrics to produce novel structures. This research work concentrated on the study of the fabric properties affecting the adhesion of Polylactic Acid (PLA) polymer onto selected fabrics. Different fabrics made from

The purpose of this study is to propose the necessary design framework to assess sportswear attributes in terms of comfort and enhanced performance for wheelchair users. The design framework, which is to integrate CCM (Clothing Comfort Model) into MCSN (Model for Clothing for Special Needs), determines the physical nature of personal characteristics to evaluate clothing comfort needs for wheelchair

Bio-EPDM, produced from sugarcane-derived ethylene, is an eco-friendly alternative material that can solve environmental pollution problems while showing performances similar to neoprene, a petroleum-based synthetic rubber. In this study, the optimum foaming conditions were determined for maximizing the properties of bio-EPDM foam for application in highly functional environment-friendly diving wetsuits

This study aimed to determine the differences in the EMG of thigh among film-welded compression suits (WCS), film-free compression suit (CS) and a loose sportswear during knee joint exercise. To differentiate the effect of clothing variable accurately, two types of compression suits were made elaborately using the same material and 3D pattern. Difference in two compression suits is only whether film

The impact of gender is critical in consumer behavior; however, gender differences have been overlooked in consumer studies. The purpose of this study is to examine how behavior-inducing psychogenic needs (i.e., need for uniqueness, self-promotion, and social identity) influence the way individuals perceive apparel customization, leading to buying intention of customized apparel products. Further,

Conspicuity enhancing trims on turnout gear promote firefighters’ abilities to (1) reduce the possibility of struck-by accidents, (2) be located and recognized by others, and (3) coordinate their work with colleagues. Firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) ensemble standards specify technical requirements for new visibility materials. A better understanding of the relation between laboratory

Fashion adopts numerous creative ideas and the designers source them. Architecture is also not left out from the eye of designers. Fashion designers used to take their inspiration from architectural buildings normally to create new clothing silhouettes. But what is important to understand here is the nature of relationship between these two disciplines which made them to do so. Keeping this fact in

Within the moral responsibility theory of corporate sustainability (MRCS) framework (Ha-Brookshire in J Bus Ethics, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-015-2847-2 ), the study examined 86 sustainability reports from top performing textile and apparel companies in China to explore their perceptions and sustainability capability implications. Content analysis of their sustainability reports was conducted

In the original publication of this article (Choo 2019), the author would like to add the omitted research to the list of this special collection, “collaborating with technology to sell fashion.”