The purpose of this research was to a) generate a composite list of apparel attributes, b) arrange the attributes in conceptual categories and dimensional levels, and c) examine the attributes in ways that are useful to different types of retailers. Five focus group interviews were conducted with 31 female consumers in four midwestern towns. The focus groups were designed in a three part format to parallel some of the evaluation processes in different types of retail settings. Four conceptual themes and 79 attributes emerged based on the content of the data. The themes were physical appearance, physical performance, expressive, and extrinsic. Themes varied in the unidimensional and multidimensional nature of their attributes. Saliency of the attributes varied in the three parts of discussion which has implications for different types of retailers. Participants were concerned about physical appearance and expressive response when viewing catalog photographs and narrative copy. Concern heightened for physical appearance and diminished for expressive attributes when actual garments were examined. Recommendations and hypotheses for future research are provided.

The purpose of this research on apparel quality was to 1) identify conceptual dimensions among a large set of apparel attributes at expectation and post-purchase evaluation stages and 2) ascertain how these conceptual dimensions and other variables, such as patronage benefits, demographics, and years of experience shopping with an apparel company, explained variance in perceptions of overall quality at the two evaluation stages. Three hundred consumers who had placed orders for one of three dresses from Lands' End, Inc. formed the sample for the mailed questionnaires. Consumers' perceptions of 61 attributes of the dress were measured at the time of purchase and after six weeks of use. At the expectation stage regression analysis revealed that overall perceived quality was predicted by Fabric and Garment Construction; Care, Value, and Style; Product and Services; and community of residence. At the post-purchase evaluation stage, Care; Product and Services; and Selection factors were useful in predicting overall perceived quality. A model is proposed that can serve to formulate hypotheses for further studies on consumer evaluation of apparel.

The apparel and clothing attributes important to persons with disabilities are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to identify apparel attributes of personal value to persons using a wheelchair and used to evaluate clothing. Four focus group interviews on three categories of clothing, formal wear, casual wear, and undergarments, were conducted with 19 female wheelchair users. Participants discussed clothing generally and after viewing garments designed especially for people with disabilities. Analysis of the content of the interviews yielded 49 phrases or words that could be categorized into Physical Appearance, Physical Performance, Expressiveness, and Extrinsic Attributes. Participants were concerned most about Physical Appearance for which criteria are observable attributes of the garment. Attributes of value in order of importance are styling of garment, fabric, garment construction, and color. The Physical Performance criteria include in order of attention benefits of physical aspects such as convenience, performance of garment, fabric, and effect of care. Expressiveness criteria evoked participants' feelings and reaction to use. Extrinsic Attribute criteria are those used to evaluate and make purchase decisions and are of less importance. These 19 persons with disability value casual clothing which had regular features. Results describe useful information on the criteria disabled persons use to evaluate clothing for use.

The apparel and clothing attributes important to persons with disabilities are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to identify apparel attributes of personal value to persons using a wheelchair and used to evaluate clothing. Four focus group interviews on three categories of clothing, formal wear, casual wear, and undergarments, were conducted with 19 female wheelchair users. Participants discussed clothing generally and after viewing garments designed especially for people with disabilities. Analysis of the content of the interviews yielded 49 phrases or words that could be categorized into Physical Appearance, Physical Performance, Expressiveness, and Extrinsic Attributes. Participants were concerned most about Physical Appearance for which criteria are observable attributes of the garment. Attributes of value in order of importance are styling of garment, fabric, garment construction, and color. The Physical Performance criteria include in order of attention benefits of physical aspects such as convenience, performance of garment, fabric, and effect of care. Expressiveness criteria evoked participants' feelings and reaction to use. Extrinsic Attribute criteria are those used to evaluate and make purchase decisions and are of less importance. These 19 persons with disability value casual clothing which had regular features. Results describe useful information on the criteria disabled persons use to evaluate clothing for use.