The purpose of this study was first, to clarify the clothing benefits that Uzbek female college students seek through clothing products; and second, to determine whether there is a difference in clothing involvement and clothing purchasing behavior according to the type of clothing benefits. Data were collected from 290 female university students from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and analyzed using factor analysis, K-means group classification analysis, ANOVA, Duncan test, χ2-test, and frequency analysis. Respondents were classified into four types according to their clothing benefits: individuality/economy-pursuit, comfort-pursuit, fashion/brand-pursuit, and indifference. Significant differences were identified in terms of clothing involvement, information sources, clothing evaluation criteria, clothing store attributes, clothing wearing conditions (including monthly clothing expenses), number of purchases per year, clothing purchase location, clothing preference style, and clothing dissatisfaction. The fashion/brand-pursuit and personality/economy-pursuit types were influenced more by fashion and symbolism of clothing involvement, information sources, clothing evaluation criteria, and clothing store attributes. The individuality/economy-pursuit type purchased more frequently, spent more monthly clothing expenses, and used the internet. Clothing store attributes were considered more important by female students than the other attributes. In these results, clothing benefits were identified as consumer characteristics of female Uzbek college students and market segmentation was determined. In addition, it is meaningful in providing basic data for efficient marketing activities and minimizing trials and errors in establishing local-friendly strategies for target customers in different cultures.

The growth of cheap, industrial, mass-production—so-called “fast fashion”—has led to dramatic increases in levels of consumption. Inexpensive products tend to foster unsustainable consumption behaviors, which negatively impact the environment and increase pressure to obtain goods at lower and lower prices; this, in turn, has the competitive effect of decreasing wages. This study focused on the concept of socially responsible consciousness in relation to fashion products. Environmental and labor issue concerns were employed as major variables. Empirical data were collected from males and females, between the ages of 10 and 50. Demographic differences were found in SR consciousness. For example, participants in their 10s, 40s, and 50s had higher levels of SR consciousness than those in their 20s and 30s. In addition, consumers’ levels of environmental and labor issue concerns had varying effects on the criteria they used to select clothing. Product category type was also an influential factor. Moreover, the analysis showed that SR consciousness was less important in the apparel industry than in the food sector. The study also found an attitude-behavior link in relation to the concept of SR consciousness. The link was stronger for environmental concerns than for labor issue concerns. This study aimed to develop a better understanding of current customers’ characteristics and levels of SR consciousness.

With the expansion of various distribution channels in online and offline stores, TV, and mobile, consumers now have more information search and retail selection channels to choose from than ever before. Major retailers now use multi- and omni-channel strategies. This study focused on cross-channel consumption, which involves the use of different information search and purchase channels. Using crosschannel consumption, consumers can search for information online and then make purchases offline and vice versa. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between channel strategies and other consumer variables, and the study also assessed the effect of product type. To conduct this empirical study, the researchers developed a consumer questionnaire concerning three consumer channel strategies-on-on, cross, and off-off-and four product categories-clothing, cosmetics, books, and electronics. The results indicated that gender and marital status did not influence consumer channel strategies, but that age did have a significant influence. The analysis showed that consumers in their 40s preferred the cross channel strategy, perceiving it to be effective, satisfactory, and rewarding. Compared to other products, clothing products showed higher levels of cross channel strategies. Consumers indicated that they prefer searching for information online and then purchasing clothing offline. Overall, clothing products generated higher levels of channel satisfaction and channel switch intentions. Cross-channel clothing shoppers reported effective information retrieval times but longer delivery times.

Consumers’ interests in the environment have been growing; hence, their consciousness about the environment has changed and affected their clothing shopping behavior. Prior study indicated attitude-behavior inconsistency in eco-friendly consumer behavior. It was because consumers’ consciousness or attitude was often measured at an abstract level, not at a product specific level. This study investigated eco-friendly clothing knowledge, eco-friendly clothing consciousness, and ecological clothing consumption behavior. The effects of consumers’ level of clothing involvement and subjective norms in this process were also investigated. For the empirical research, a questionnaire was developed, and responses from 480 women in their 20s to 50s were statistically analyzed. Results indicated that interest and fashion consciousness dimensions of clothing involvement had a significant influence on ecofriendly clothing knowledge, which thereby significantly influenced the three factors of eco-friendly clothing consciousness: social responsibility, health orientation, and clothing resource-saving consciousness. Such factors had different roles in the clothing consumption process. Social responsibility had a significant influence on the entire process of clothing consumption: shopping, purchasing, using, and disposing behaviors. Health orientation consciousness had a significant influence on shopping and purchasing behaviors, whereas resource-saving consciousness had a significant impact only on shopping behavior. Subjective norms were significantly correlated with all aspects of the clothing consumption process. Influence on disposing behavior was relatively weaker than other aspects of clothing consumption behavior.

Internet technology now allows products and services to be purchased through online or mobile shopping. Many firms open online and mobile stores or establish social network services to meet changing customer desires. Despite the convenience of online shopping, customers are often uncertain about product quality because they cannot see or touch products. Consequently, firms may use various certifications that assure product quality such as KC in the Republic of Korea, CE in Europe, and UL in the United States. In addition, consumers are becoming increasingly concerned that the fashion industry presents threats to the environment and well-being. In response, fashion manufacturers are turning to the use of organic, eco-friendly, sustainable fabrics. Most studies about organic manufacturing have focused on the food industry, but we contend that clothing is similar to the organic food industry in the importance of certification that guarantees whether products are produced organically. In this study, we focus on how consumers rely on certification when they search for information and purchase organic clothes for infants. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of our results.

The purpose of this study was to examine visually impaired people's clothing behavior, using a qualitative approach. The results are intended to be used as baseline data to make an instrument that can measure the factors that have an effect on visually impaired people's clothing needs from the perspective of environmental and social relationship contexts. This study was made through in-depth interviews with people with grade-1 visual impairment, and the results were as follows: First, when purchasing clothing, they were accompanied by trusted people, and chose trusted brands and trusted products. They spent as little time as possible, did not try on many clothes, and they preferred colors, designs, and purchase methods that carried as low a risk as possible. Second, they wanted basic product information and simple procedures when purchasing and using clothing products. Third, they were able to manage their own clothes themselves. However, there was insufficient laundry information available. Fourth, the main reason why visually impaired people took care of their appearance was that they wanted to look neat and clean to be respected by others. Based on the study results, it is necessary to provide information on clothing to improve quality of life and welfare and thus ensure visually impaired people’s independence.

본 연구는 유방 보존술(68명)과 유방 전절제술(45명)을 받은 대상자의 수술 후 심신의 변화에 따른 의생활의 공통점 과 차이점에 대하여 조사하였다. 공통점으로는 유방 절제 수술로 변형된 체형을 노출시키고 싶어 하지 않았고, 타인에게 본인이 유방암 환자인 것을 알아채주어 배려 해 주기를 바라지 않는 것으로 확인되었다. 그러므로 유방 절제 범위가 큰 유방 전절제술의 대상자는 신체 이미지의 고양을 위하여 절제된 유방의 보완이 가능한 의복 및 보조물(인조 유방)을 선호하였다. 그러나, 유방 전절제술을 받은 대상자를 위한 브래지어나 인조유방은 고가임은 물론, 낮은 감성 만족도를 나타내었고, 특히 유방암 수술을 받은 대상자들을 위한 전문 의복이 필요하다고 응답하였다. 향후, 유방 절제 수술을 받은 한국 여성 대상자를 위한 치유 복장, 브래지어나 인조유방 등의 개발에 있어, 이와 같은 감성 조사가 효과적인 정보 자료로 사용 되어 신체이미지 증진은 물론 삶의 질 향상에 도움이 될 것을 기대한다.

The Indonesian population is estimated at 250 million and ranked as the world's fourth-largest. It is also one of the world's largest Muslim nations. Seventy percent of the population of Indonesia is young consumers in their 20s and 30s. In additions, Indonesian consumers have recently developed a great interest in fashion in general and Korean fashion in particular. This paper addresses issues related to young Indonesian consumers' clothing behavior in terms of clothing image, clothing style, body image, clothing and attitudes toward Korean fashion brands. The survey method was used as a primary research instrument. All measurements were adapted from the existing scales from previous studies. A total of 172 questionnaires were used for the final statistical analysis. Empirical results showed that Indonesian consumers' preferences regarding clothing image were new, casual, humorous, futuristic, soft, interesting and active. In terms of style, Indonesian consumers scored high in their preferences of casual and classic styles. With regard to body image, Indonesian consumers have significant concern for their appearance and body, but at the same time they are more satisfied with their body shape. More than half of the respondents had experience in purchasing Korean fashion products. Indonesian consumers recognized the clothing image of Korean fashion brands as new, futuristic, and hi-tech. Furthermore, they perceive the clothing style of Korean fashion brands as casual, feminine, and sexy. Korean fashion brand purchase intension was significantly influenced by recognition and preference of Korean fashion brand.

This study seeks to explore the relationship between clothing adaptation and acculturation for married Chinese immigrant women. In addition, it aims to analyze the differences in their clothing consumption behaviors according to acculturation level. To achieve these purposes, a quantitative research study was conducted on 291 wives of Korean-Chinese multicultural families in Seoul and Gyeonggi. The data was analyzed using factor analysis, cluster analysis, ANOVA, and the Duncun test. The findings were as follows. First, the women were divided into three groups based on their level of acculturation, which was defined as ‘assimilated’, ‘marginalized’ and ‘segregated’. Second, the relationship between their acculturation level and their clothing adaptation was identified. The marginalized group had the lowest level of clothing adaptation. Third, the groups’ differences in clothing selection criteria were analyzed. The segregated group considered the practical aspects (price, color, quality) of clothing to be more important than the other groups. The marginalized group scored the lowest in valuing the aesthetic factors (design, style, trendiness) of clothing. Finally, conformity of clothing consumption varied significantly based on acculturation level. The assimilated and marginalized groups showed higher levels conformity than did the segregated group. Clothing purchase location also varied significantly between the three groups. The assimilated and marginalized groups preferred online shopping, but members of the segregated group preferred to carry out their shopping off-line. This study showed that clothing adaptation and clothing consumption behaviors play key roles in understanding the acculturation of multicultural families.

Generation X and baby boomers represent a significant group that are willing to spend. According to the American Express Open Forum (2013), baby boomers in America between the age 49 and 65 are more in favor of spending than any other consumer group. The Hyundai Research Institute (2015) stated that the market size for baby boomers will increase over 18% annually in Korea. Equally important is generation X, because this group is also reaching a high-earning stage of their lives (Luxury Daily, 2011). Further, they are predicted to take the place of baby boomers as a cash cow for marketers (American Express Open Forum, 2014).This lucrative demographic of baby boomers and generation X is a potential gold mine. Despite the fact that these groups are showing such interest in spending, brands and retailers are not giving them the same amount of attention. While more middle-aged women want to dress more youthfully, retailers and brands are not evolving their products at the same pace (USA Today, 2008). They are finding it difficult to find a solution to meet the needs of this aging but youthful group (USA Today, 2008). Brands such as Chico’s and Ann Taylor are not providing the styles that the women want, so boomers turn to younger brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, H&M, and Forever 21 (Forbes, 2008). But the younger brands are not satiating their needs, either (Forbes, 2008). While the boomers and generation X are harnessing fashion economic control, the players in the market are lagging behind. To understand what the market must do to meet the apparel needs of baby boomers and generation X, it is pivotal to delve into how they feel about their age and how it affects the factors that influence their purchasing. According to Schiffman and Sherman (1991), aging is more of a state of mind than a physical state. Understanding older consumers through cognitive age (self-perceived age) has been done by many researchers (Sudbury & Simcock, 2009; Szmigin & Carrigan, 2012). Cognitive age indicates how older people view themselves in the context of aging. Barak and Schiffman (1981) stated that elderly respondents identified themselves as a younger age group when they were asked about their age-related feelings and actions. Equally important is understanding how cognitive age affects the physical self, which in this study, is body cathexis. Body cathexis, according to Labat and DeLong (1990), is “the evaluative dimension of body image and is defined as a positive and negative feeling towards one’s body.” While women may feel younger than they actually are, the body is inevitably aging. As Jang and Yoo (2011) reported after studying Korean women in their 40s and 50s, the correlation between cognitive ages and ideal body images were significant, and the younger they feel, the younger body images they desired. In addition, the physical self highly influences a person’s choice of clothing and how they perceive clothing in general (Kwon & Parham, 1994). When clothing is used in a positive manner, it can boost one’s self-confidence (Alexander, Connell, & Presly, 2005). It is also thought to be an extension of the physical self (Horn & Gurel, 1981). By understanding what middle-aged women seek when buying clothes, we can assume how satisfied they are about their body. Thus, the clothing benefits items and purchasing behavior of middle-aged women would most likely reflect the function of their clothing and how they perceive themselves.

다양한 무체재산이 혁신과 창작을 유도하는 데 효율적인 법적 도구가 될 수 있다면, 기업이나 개인의 명성과 신용은 거래비용을 낮춰 줌으로써 일상적인 경제활동의 효율성을 높여주는 기능을 수행하게 된다. 명성과 신용의 경제적인 효과를 보면, 진실에 기초한 명성 또는 신용은 정확한 정보의 무상공유를 가능하게 함으로써 상품이나 서비스의 공급자와 소비자 사이의 효율적인 선택을 가능하게 하는 기능을 수행하기 때문에 명예훼손이나 퍼블리시티 기타 불법행위에 관한 법리는 관련시장에서 거래비용을 낮춰 주는 훌륭한 법적 도구가 될 수 있다. 종래 기업의 신용을 훼손하는 행위에 대한 불법 행위책임의 문제는 구체적인 사실을 적시하거나 의견을 표명함으로써 기업에 대한 사회적 평가를 저해하는 행위들을 중심으로 논의가 이루어졌으나, 최근 선고된 대법원 2008. 10. 9. 선고 2006다 53146 판결에서는 고급 이미지의 의류로서 명성과 신용을 얻고 있는 타인의 의류와 유사한 디자인의 의류를 제조하여 저가로 유통한 행위가 타인인 법인의 신용을 훼손하는 행위에 해당하고 그에 대해 불법행위책임이 인정된다는 취지로 판시하였다. 이 글에서는 위 대상 판결의 사실관계와 판시내용을 중심으로 하여 산업디자인에 대한 저작권법적 보호가능성, 부정경쟁방지법상 상품주체혼동행위 및 상품형태모방행위의 각 성립요건, 영업비밀 침해행위의 성립요건, 저작권법이나 부정경쟁방지법 등의 성문법을 위반하지 아니한 행위에 대한 일반 불법행위책임의 적용가능성과 위법성의 판단기준 및 손해배상의 범위 등에 관한 쟁점을 검토하고 있다. 이 사건의 예에서 보듯이 기술의 발전과 시장의 변화로 인하여 다양한 형태의 경쟁질서 위반행위가 나타나고 있고, 이에 관한 판례도 점점 늘어나고 있는 추세에 있는바, 이 분야에 관한 심도 있는 논의가 계속 진행될 필요가 있다고 본다.

The purpose of this study was to compare clothing values and clothing purchasing behaviors between Korean and American college students, especially men. Also this study was to analyze the clothing values effect on the clothing purchasing behavior. For the practical study, 200 questionaries were surveyed, 110 from Korea and 105 from American. The average and frequency, t-test, χ2, multi-variate analysis of variance and factor analysis were used for this study. The result showed, first, there were little differences in the clothing value aspect. Both Korean college men and American college men considered the theoretical value to be most important, however, the American college men were higher than the Korean college men for theoretical, economic and political values. Compared to the Americans, the Koreans considered social clothing value to be more important but theoretical, economic and political values were less important. Second, there were some differences in most of all the clothing purchasing behaviors. There were slight differences in the reasons for the purchases between Korean and American college men. Both of them said that they purchase clothes to satisfy their needs. Regarding the information sources for the purchase, The Korean college men were slightly higher than the American college men for the media information sources and lower than them for the human information sources. Regarding the place where the clothes were purchased, the Korean college men preferred to make purchases at department stores, and the American college men preferred shopping malls. Regarding the monthly expenses for clothing, less than 50,000 won($50) was the average for most of the Korean women, but most of the American college women spent 100,000 150,000 won($150) per month. Third, the clothing value was different in the reason for purchasing, the purchasing information source, the purchasing place, and the monthly expenses for the clothing.