An exploratory study of participants’ fit perceptions of customized garments

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore participants’ fit perceptions of customized garments and investigate the factors that affected the customized fit. Design/methodology/approach Because different patternmaking methods generate varied fit results, eight customized dresses were developed for four fit models aged 18–25 using two different made-to-measure (MTM) systems (Gerber AccuMark and Telestia Creator). The authors designed a questionnaire to assess the fit of the final garments on each of the four models. A total of 12 participants (four fit models and eight experts) attended a live evaluation meeting and completed the questionnaire. The quantitative and qualitative data of the participants’ fit perceptions were collected and analyzed. Findings The authors compared the fit outputs of the two MTM systems and determined the fit issues from the participants’ perceptions. The results showed that the participants evaluated the customized fit mainly according to the ease, seam placement and wrinkle occurrence. The majority of fit models and experts preferred Dress B created using Telestia Creator to Dress A developed using Gerber AccuMark. The participants’ fit perceptions also revealed that many factors, such as the MTM systems, participants’ fit preferences, models’ body characteristics, fabric and ease, impacted the fit results. In addition, the experts perceived more fit issues than the models. Originality/value The fit output comparison of the two MTM systems could be valuable for pattern makers to use the systems. The research results would also be useful for apparel companies to conduct a fit evaluation and improve their customization processes.

Do Intellectual Capital Elements Spur Firm Performance? Evidence from the Textile and Apparel Industry in China

This paper examines how investment in intellectual capital (IC) elements by textile and apparel companies improves firm performance measured in terms of profitability, market value, and productivity. The modified value-added intellectual coefficient (MVAIC) model is applied to measure IC. Using a panel of 35 Chinese textile and apparel companies for a six-year period (2013–2018), the results show that physical and human capitals are the strong factors that contribute to firm performance. In addition, relational capital negatively influences profitability and market value, and structural capital and innovation capital have a negative impact on employee productivity. We also find that the MVAIC model performs better in measuring IC than the original value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) model. This paper can provide some insights for corporate managers to enhance firm performance and gain competitive advantage by proper utilization of IC in traditional industries.

Branding in Sustainable Apparel Companies: A Study on the Branding Strategies Adopted by Small-Business Apparel Companies That Practice Sustainability in Canada

The impact of environmental and social issues on today's global fashion industry has made some small apparel companies and big retailers realize their responsibility in setting it right. This qualitative research investigated the branding practices of small-business sustainable apparel companies in Canada. The theoretical framework guiding this research coalesced McDonough and Braungart's concept of cradle-to-cradle (sustainability) and identity-branding approaches, using a case-study methodology. A combination of literature review, web-based data and semi-structured interviews of nine participants was intended to shed light on the research questions. Key findings included more focus in branding a label with the product's aesthetics and other features compared to branding the products “sustainable,” even when the companies are not compromising their sustainability practices. In addition, there is a realization among small-business entrepreneurs who practice sustainability in rebranding to focus more on customer based branding (keeping the customer in the center of the brand).

Branding in Sustainable Apparel Companies: A Study on the Branding Strategies Adopted by Small-Business Apparel Companies That Practice Sustainability in Canada

The impact of environmental and social issues on today's global fashion industry has made some small apparel companies and big retailers realize their responsibility in setting it right. This qualitative research investigated the branding practices of small-business sustainable apparel companies in Canada. The theoretical framework guiding this research coalesced McDonough and Braungart's concept of cradle-to-cradle (sustainability) and identity-branding approaches, using a case-study methodology. A combination of literature review, web-based data and semi-structured interviews of nine participants was intended to shed light on the research questions. Key findings included more focus in branding a label with the product's aesthetics and other features compared to branding the products “sustainable,” even when the companies are not compromising their sustainability practices. In addition, there is a realization among small-business entrepreneurs who practice sustainability in rebranding to focus more on customer based branding (keeping the customer in the center of the brand).

Xinjiang issues place US firms in a difficult position

Significance Many are facing a combination of ethical and commercial dilemmas as China uses the commercial power of its domestic consumers to silence critics. Those targeted so far, mostly apparel retailers, have expressed concern about reports of forced labour by minority Uighurs in Xinjiang, where 20% of the world's cotton is produced. Impacts Upstream supply chain visibility in Xinjiang will remain opaque, even if downstream operations are sourced elsewhere. The WTO may take up the issue as its new director-general is keen to re-establish the agency's credibility. The EU's attempt to use its investment agreement with China to impose labour standards will be exposed as ineffectual. Viscose, of which Xinjiang produces 10-18% of global supply, may follow cotton as a 'forced labour' issue for apparel companies.

Modeling Advertising Practices for Product Involvement and Consumer Impulsivity in Branded Apparel: A Case Study of Indian Consumers

The exponential growth of advertising in enhancing consumer impulsivity has drawn the interest of many researchers to explore the various dimensions of advertising and its effective modeling. The branded apparel product market has grown significantly, a large number of competitors have entered into the market with variant quality, and there are a number of attractive advertising practices. The main aim of this study was to analyze the advertising practices and their relationship with consumer product involvement and the impulsive buying behavior of consumers in branded apparel in India. In a survey of 445 Indian customers, the study indicated that advertising practices significantly affect consumer involvement in branded apparel products and enhance their impulsivity toward products. The study also indicated that the level of consumer involvement in the branded apparel product significantly mediates the relationship between advertising practices and consumer impulsive buying behavior. Effective advertising practices will help companies to enhance consumer involvement that will enable branded apparel companies in enhancing consumer impulsiveness toward products. Some of the managerial implications, limitations, and scope of future research are also presented in the study.

Usage of Business Analytics and Supply Chain Performance – An Empirical Study of Sri Lankan Aapparel Sector

Advances in technology and innovation require companies to embrace these new trends to compete and stay ahead in the business world. In particular, there is a need for companies to incorporate Business Analytics practices within their organizations. Business Analytics consists of two components: Information Systems and Business Process Orientation. This study aims to investigate the impact of the use of Business Analytics on the Supply Chain Performance in apparel companies in Sri Lanka. This research focuses on discussing the objectives developed to achieve the purpose of the study. To achieve this objective, this current study investigates the relationship between the Information System, Supply Chain Performance and the effect of the use of the Information System in the supply chains of Sri Lankan apparel companies. The study uses a quantitative approach. In this study, for quantitative analysis study performs regression analysis and decision tree analysis. This study identifies a positive relationship between the Information System and the Supply Chain Performance. For further future studies, it is advisable to extend this study by examining the performance of medium-and large-scale companies in the country.