U.S. textile and apparel faculty members and their work environments

The study examined textile and apparel faculty members' perceptions of their work environment in the context of demographic variables. A better understanding of current textile and apparel work environment perceptions can be used by faculty members to recruit new staff; increase the advancement, satisfaction and retention of current staff; and provide graduate students who are considering a position in higher education with realistic expectation. A total of 337 International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) members participated in the study by completing the Work Environment Scale and a demographic questionnaire. (The ITAA is a global organization of textile and apparel faculty members that is U.S. based but has members from most regions of the world.) Multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine whether a relationship existed between the work environment measures and demographic variables. A significant relationship was found between the perceptions of work environment and the demographic variables of academic rank, level of education and size of institution.     

China's Import and Export of Textiles and Apparel in the Q1

China's textile and apparel industry suffered an unprecedented cold market for exports in the first quarter this year,the result of a few factors including: the appreciating RMB, decreasing export rebate rate,expanding influence of the U.S. subprime crisis, increasing costs of production and rising labor cost.     

DEVELOPMENTAL PATTERNS OF ASIA'S APPAREL INDUSTRY

People in many parts of the world depend upon the manufacture of textile and apparel products for their livelihood. The status of these two closely related industries has a major impact on the economic health of many countries, both large and small. In fact, the growth of the textile and apparel industry may be one of the strongest, most reliable indicators of a developing country's economic development. Further, the level of sophistication of production in this industry may be viewed as a ‘barometer’ of the level of technological progress in a country. For this reason the developmental patterns of Asia's apparel industry are studied.     

Improving garment fit for the mature female in the USA

Although women over the age of50 constitute a growing segment of the apparel market, in the U.S.A. the apparel industry has not addressed the specific fitting needs of this group. Many apparel manufacturers produce large sizes, however proportionate changes specific to the mature figure type resulting from the ageing process have not been addressed.^1–6 The purpose of this study was to modify a commercial pattern based on work by Woodson and Horridge (1990, Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 8 (4), 7–13) using grading as a pattern development technique, and to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of the modified pattern by measuring fit and evaluating self-reported perceptions of comfort on live models. Woodson and Horridge measurement data were used as a basis for modifying a commercial pattern to fit a mature woman. Results indicated that there were significant differences between the commercial dress and the modified dress. The modified dress provided a better fit in 14 areas. Subjects' perceptions of comfort were closer to actual fit for the modified dress than for the commercial pattern dress. Computerized grading is a quick, cost-effective method of modifying a pattern to meet the needs of special markets.     

Student preferences for domestic-made or imported apparel as influenced by shopping habits

Information regarding consumer awareness of imports has been an ongoing concern of the textile and apparel industries. This study was undertaken to provide additional information about attitudes of apparel imports from the viewpoints of college students. The results support those of earlier studies for the most part. Data analysis, in contrast to other studies, showed no clear preference toward either domestic or imported apparel. However, there was concern and strong support for the U.S. textile and apparel industries. Most students indicated that they would purchase domestic apparel over imported apparel to help the U.S. economy.     

Does attitude predict purchase behaviour of apparel products?

During the 1980s the world market in textile and apparel products has become increasingly internationalized. Retailers in Western Europe and North America import goods from around the world, often at the expense of domestic manufacturers. In an effort to encourage consumers to buy locally manufactured products, associations in several countries have tried to change consumer attitudes toward domestically produced textiles and apparel. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between consumer attitude and consumer behaviour in an apparel purchase. Intercept surveys were conducted with 3,766 consumers in nine locations in the eastern U.S.A. Consumers were questioned about their attitudes toward domestic versus imported clothing and their awareness of the country of origin of their purchase. Reasons for purchase and demographic information were also collected. Some differences between variables were found related to sex, age and geographic location. While it was evident that a large proportion of the consumers sampled said they cared whether the clothing they purchased was domestically produced or imported, a far smaller proportion was aware of the country of origin of the garment just purchased. Therefore, a consistent link between consumers' professed attitudes and their buying behaviour could not be established. Summary and conclusions The consistency of consumer attitudes with consumer behaviour was assessed for a sample of U.S.A. apparel purchasers. Respondents in the eastern U.S.A. were asked about their awareness of and concern with their garment's place of production. Although some differences were found related to sex, age and geographic location, the lack of consistency between attitudes and behaviour was a common phenomenon. Of the total sample, only 20% professed both concern and awareness of their garment's country of origin. In contrast, 60% knew of the ‘Crafted with Pride’ campaign, 44% expressed concern for place of production, and 28% said they knew where the garment just acquired had been manufactured. These relatively low percentages may be due in part to the demographics of the consumers surveyed. This study included a high proportion of females, young and middle-age shoppers. This sample composition is consistent with other research citing these groups as the most frequent apparel purchasers. The results of this study indicate that the oldest age groups and male shoppers are most likely to be aware and concerned. This suggests that those wanting to change attitudes and/or behaviour need to target the groups most likely to be spending on apparel, females, young and middle-age groups. These consumers appear to be the least motivated by patriotic appeals or to base purchase decisions on cues such as country of origin. People from the south, who were more likely to be directly affected by the textile industry, generally were more aware, expressed a higher level of concern, and were more likely to know of the ‘Crafted with Pride’ campaign. Since the south has not been selectively targeted by the ‘Crafted with Pride’ Council, it is very possible that the demographics and personal link of southerners to the apparel and textile industries may be more influential than the Council's media campaign. While it is true that concern, awareness, and knowledge of the campaign are highly correlated, what has not been determined is the causal relationship between these three variables. Does knowledge of the campaign cause one to care more and therefore be more likely to be aware? Or does caring make consumers more susceptible to patriotic appeals and more likely to say they are aware when they really may not be? It has been determined that people who are aware are more likely to care and know of the campaign; it has not been determined that people with knowledge of the campaign will be more aware and therefore guided in their purchase decisions. The intense media campaign by the ‘Crafted with Pride’ Council suggests that the level of concern for domestic clothing production may be influenced by the level of marketing effort. However, the Council's expected behavioural effect of raising the number of potential clothing buyers who actively seek out and purchase American-made apparel was not displayed by respondents in this study. Since it is consumers who ultimately make the final purchase decision, industry representatives and legislators should examine more closely the link between attitudes and action before making production and public policy decisions that will have significant economic effects on all parties concerned.     

Colombian consumers’ outshopping of apparel in the U.S.

Outshopping is defined as purchasing goods outside of consumers’ trading areas. Despite threatening local economies, outshopping generates opportunities for the new trading areas in which it occurs. Studies on outshopping have reported contradictory results and academics suggest further research, especially in relation to consumers’ micro-level characteristics. Moreover, few studies have focused on the U.S. as the trading area and apparel as the traded product. Based on the theory of reasoned action, this quantitative study explores how attitudes toward international outshopping and subjective norm influence purchase intention of apparel goods among international outshoppers in the U.S. by focusing on four characteristics of international outshoppers – self-control in terms of spending, the desire for unique products, age, and gender – as antecedents of attitudes toward outshopping. Colombian consumers (South America) were chosen as respondents because market reports indicate that the U.S. is their top favorite international tourist destination. Findings suggest that more positive attitudes toward outshopping apparel in the U.S. were found among female consumers with higher self-control over their expenditures. Respondents were also influenced by the opinion of others; while age and desire for unique products were found non-significant. By understanding international outshoppers, marketers can develop unique market strategies for attracting global consumers.     

Retailers and apparel imports: variables associated with relative proportions of imports carried

Purposes of this exploratory study were: (i) to determine retailers' views toward imported apparel, (ii) to gain insight into retailers' reasons for carrying imported apparel, and (iii) to examine variables associated with relative proportions of imported apparel carried in stock. Interviewers surveyed 191 retailers in the eastern U.S.A., using a structured telephone interview. Data analysis included chi-square tests of association and frequency distributions. The proportion of stock retailers reported to be imported was cross-tabulated with a number of variables. Results gave insight into retailers' reasons for carrying imported apparel, although a majority appeared to favour domestic apparel; results also indicated some of the problems associated with carrying foreign-made goods. Results can be useful to manufacturers in their efforts to counter retailers' trend to carry increasing quantities of imported apparel and to educators preparing graduates for employment in this sensitive sector.     

Purchasing environmentally sustainable apparel: The attitudes and intentions of female Kuwaiti consumers

The purpose of this study is to examine relationships among knowledge, environmental concern, attitudes about environmentally sustainable apparel (ESA) and ESA purchasing behaviours of Kuwaiti women. This was accomplished by surveying 236 participants using four preexisting scales, measuring knowledge about the impact of manufacturing apparel and textile products on the environment, levels of concern about environmental degradation, feelings about clothing that is environmentally sustainable and ESA purchase intentions. Data analysis determined several findings. First, female Kuwaiti nationals showed a low level of knowledge about the environmental impacts of the apparel and textile industry. The participants also held neutral attitudes of environmental concern and neutral attitudes towards ESA. Finally, despite their knowledge and attitudes, the participants did have positive intentions to purchase ESA in the future. To produce, market and sell ESA effectively in Kuwait, the conclusions from this study are important for manufacturers and retailers of ESA products. Kuwait provides a large market for apparel goods and this study is a contribution to a better understanding of consumers and ESA in that market.     

TRADE POLICY STRATEGIES AND ENFORCEMENT CHOICES: An Examination of the 1992 Steel Antidumping Cases

Recent U.S. textile and apparel imports were examined at a detailed product level to assess factors explaining the level of non-tariff trade barriers (NTBs). Determinants of NTBs at the micro level were consistent with prior studies utilizing more aggregated data. Import penetration, per unit import cost, import quantity change, import value, and product type were significant variables in explaining the variability of import controls.     

Attitudes of Louisiana apparel manufacturers towards computer technology

Current literature has suggested that there is a reluctance on the part of the domestic apparel industry to adopt advanced computer technology. This study was designed to investigate the attitudes of Louisiana apparel manufacturers towards computer technology. An attitude questionnaire was mailed to all identified apparel manufacturers in the state. The results indicated that the apparel industry in the state of Louisiana is comprised of many small, privately owned companies. A large array of products in a variety of size ranges is produced in the state. Statistical analyses indicated that there were some differences between attitudes of apparel manufacturers and contractors. In general, contractors were not as aware of the availability and transferability of advanced technology for the apparel industry as manufacturers. Manufacturers and contractors who had some formal training with CAD/CAM systems had more positive attitudes toward the competitiveness of the industry with imported products. It is recommended that the apparel industry in the state explore the technological options available to modernize for a more competitive future.     

Export Growth Slows Down

In November of 2005, China and the U.S. signed a bilateral agreement on textiles, launching the three-year quota control for 21 sorts of textile products. In 2007, the second year for the implementation of the agreement, China＇s textile export to the U.S. underwent several changes.     

CONSUMERS’ VIEWS ON RESTRICTING IMPORTED APPAREL

The United States and most developed countries have experienced a dramatic influx of imported apparel, usually from low-wage, developing countries. In the U.S., industry representatives, retailers, economists, and others have been vocal in expressing their views to influence trade negotiations aimed at orderly trade in this commodity area. Consumers are affected by trade agreements but appear never to have been consulted previously regarding the restriction of imported apparel. This paper gives results of a telephone survey of 408 consumers in 10 areas of the eastern U.S. to ascertain their views toward apparel imports. Overall, respondents expressed strong preference for domestically produced apparel. A majority of the consumers perceived a trade deficit in apparel, saw imports as damaging to the domestic industry, felt that stronger laws should be passed to further restrict imported apparel, and said their clothing purchases were influenced by their views toward limiting imports. Chi-square tests determined relationships among the variables. A noteworthy contradiction was present in the findings. If further restrictions on imports were to become a reality, as the consumers said they would prefer, this means that respondents expressed loyalty to the domestic industry at the expense of being able to make choices which might be most advantageous to them as consumers.     

Implementation of technology and relationships to supply chain performance: apparel manufacturers' perspectives

Apparel manufacturers operate within a distribution channel with suppliers, retailers and consumers. In a competitive market, apparel manufacturers, in transactions with retailers, must make changes. These changes have potential to affect the supply chain and consequently to add or reduce value of products for the retailer. This study investigated changes in products and services associated with implementation of new technologies. A two-stage design used both a qualitative study and a quantitative study. The qualitative study with 10 industry personnel was used to develop the change variable. The quantitative study had US apparel manufacturers (n = 105) respond to a mailed survey about changes their firms had experienced. Findings indicated that implementation of Quick Response (QR) technologies when moderated by the demographics of fashion level, seasonality, and price point of the product did correspond with changes in product offerings and customer services.     

FDI对我国纺织服装业技术溢出效应分析

本文实证分析了FDI对我国纺织服装业的技术溢出效应。结果表明,FDI在纺织服装业的溢出效应明显存在,且服装业中FDI的外溢效应大于我国工业平均水平,但纺织业的外溢效应低于我国工业的平均水平。笔者认为,行业内FDI溢出效应的强弱受行业内利用FDI的数量和质量的影响,而服装业获得较多FDI技术外溢的重要原因在于其利用外资的密度较大,且在引进技术中重视对先进技术的消化吸收。然而,尽管如此,我国纺织服装业目前仍被锁定在全球价值链低端的生产环节,全员劳动生产率较低。因此,我国应通过利用FDI培育和获取核心技术、知名品牌和销售渠道等高级生产要素,促使企业向价值链的高附加值环节攀升。     

中印两国纺织品服装在欧美市场的竞争关系研究

基于纺织品服装细分到三位数的进出口数据,利用价格贸易条件、竞争互补指数、竞争压力指数、显示性对称比较优势指数和出口产品相似性指数对中印两国纺织品服装在欧美市场的贸易竞争关系进行分析,发现中国纺织品服装在贸易量上具有显著优势,但在贸易条件和比较优势上则弱于印度;同时两国纺织品服装在欧美市场具有较高的出口相似性,中国对印度的竞争压力显著高于印度对中国的竞争压力。随后对两国纺织服装业的优劣势进行分析,并对如何更好地促进中国纺织服装业的发展提出了对策建议。     

Welfare Analysis of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement: The Cotton Textile and Apparel Industries

This article studies the effects of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (US-CAFTA-DR) on the world fiber market using a partial equilibrium modeling approach. We find the effect of the agreement on the U.S. cotton yarn and Caribbean cotton apparel industries to be positive while the U.S. cotton apparel industry suffers significant losses. Cotton apparel producers in the Caribbean region gain approximately $80 million under US-CAFTA-DR while gains by the U.S. yarn industry average about $120 million over current trade arrangements. The U.S. cotton apparel industry loses about $40 million per year under US-CAFTA-DR.     

Less restrictive trade in textiles and apparel: a position paper

This is a position paper * * The graduate fellow author developed this paper in response to the following assignment: For this assignment, you are to assume that your paper is a briefing paper for a new U.S. textile negotiator who has had a limited amount of experience in working with the textile sector. The new negotiator must be prepared by various constituencies to represent their respective positions adequately and fairiy as bilateral agreements and other trade policies are negotiated. Thus, it is quite important to have your position articulated thoroughly and effectively; the ultimate survival and success of the interests you represent are at stake. For this paper, each student is expected to analyse and articulate the complexities involved in balancing economic, political, and social concerns for this key sector. Professor K. G. Dickerson assisted in developing the paper for publication.
which advocates textile and apparel trade with fewer restrictions. The paper evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of protectionist legislation for the textile sector; also considered are the position of the consumer, and the economy more broadly. Proposed U.S. textile legislation is evaluated in the context of the current political climate, both nationally and internationally. When all factors are considered, the casts of protectionism may exceed the benefits, perhaps even for the industry.     

Ethical consumer behaviour in Germany: The attitude‐behaviour gap in the green apparel industry

In today's society, the trend of ethical consumerism is undeniable. Yet, even though consumers are ethically concerned, they rarely transform their intentions into a green purchasing behaviour—and this phenomenon is also evident in the sustainable fashion industry. This study aims to understand the prevailing attitude‐behaviour gap and explores the barriers that constrain consumers in purchasing green apparel. A total of 13 in‐depth interviews were conducted and analysed to the principles of grounded theory. The analysis reveals that the following barriers impede consumption of sustainable fashion: price, availability, knowledge, transparency, image, inertia and consumption habits. The impact of each dimension on consumers' purchase decisions might be of interest to apparel manufacturers and retailers who should implement strategies to encourage eco‐conscious apparel acquisition and focus on diminishing these barriers. Accordingly, three major recommendations are made: (a) to concentrate on specific product attributes; (b) to adopt an efficient digital communication strategy; and (c) to make a greater effort on making green apparel attainable. This study contributes to the overall understanding of consumer behaviour in the ethical fashion industry and examines in‐depth the purchasing criteria for sustainable fashion for consumers.     

Asian firms and the restructuring of global value chains

Asian trans-national garment manufacturers are transforming the structure of global value chains in the apparel industry. Recent studies show such first tier suppliers undertaking a greater range of functional activities. In many cases, these firms originate from the so-called ‘Rising Power’ economies, particularly ‘Greater China’ and South Asia. We argue that such, transnational, Asian firms can play a pivotal and strategic role in shaping the geography and organisational restructuring of the global value chain. Drawing on secondary sources and primary research we illustrate how such firms manage complex international production linkages, and ensure the incorporation of Jordan into the global garment industry. The paper contributes to the understanding of the role of these firms and how their behaviour is driven by complex dynamics linked to their own business strategies, their linkages with buyers, and their ability to exploit production and trade opportunities while maintaining high levels of global locational flexibility.