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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2012

Sujoung Cha

The purpose of this paper is to examine the uplifting effect of a prototype brassiere that the author developed in Shanghai, China, for Chinese adult females in their early…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the uplifting effect of a prototype brassiere that the author developed in Shanghai, China, for Chinese adult females in their early twenties.

Design/methodology/approach

The prototype brassiere was designed according to the four breast shapes of Chinese adult females. In total, 40 breast‐related measurement items were used to quantify the body sizes of 20 subjects, who were measured both with and without the brassieres.

Findings

The results of the comparison showed significant differences in breast position, the degree of sagging, the distance between the breasts, and the bottom area of the breasts between the two contexts. This study confirms the uplifting effect of the prototype brassiere, which can produce cleavage and elevate breasts.

Originality/value

The findings are based on an experimental method that quantifies the uplifting effect of the prototype brassiere using body measurement data obtained from local women in Shanghai, China. They provide empirical criteria for manufacturing brassieres to the Chinese intimate apparel industry, which lacks a standardized measurement system.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 24 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 January 2024

Yilun Wang, Xiaofen Ji, Chen Pang and Lina Zhai

Esthetic trend changes with the development of society and cultural differences. A minimizer bra designed to make breasts appear smaller is now popular with large-breasted women…

Abstract

Purpose

Esthetic trend changes with the development of society and cultural differences. A minimizer bra designed to make breasts appear smaller is now popular with large-breasted women in China. To conform to the requirements of modern aesthetics in China, this paper aims to investigate vital features of breast appearance that influence people’s subjective evaluation of breast size and analyze how bra design parameters affect breast shape and make breasts appear smaller.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used 3D scanning technology and reverse engineering software to obtain objective breast measurements in detail. A subjective evaluation experiment was conducted to evaluate the overall performance of seven minimizer bras compared to a basic comparison bra. Around 20 design parameters of 8 sample bras were identified to make a further study about the correlation between bra design features and breast shaping effect. To gain a deeper understanding of how bras interact with breast tissue, this study presented heat maps of the breast surface to visualize the deformation of breast shape.

Findings

Nine breasts' characteristics, such as the distance between bust points, breast depth, outer breast curvature and slope, etc. have been determined to be highly correlated with the visual reduction effect of breasts. In addition, for the bras in this experiment, the high-performance bra for women with large breasts tends to have a wider side panel, a wider under band, higher gore and a stronger transverse rigidity of the bra cup. According to the observation of heat maps of the breast surface, soft full-figure bras provide a wider range of compression to the breasts and effectively flatten the breasts.

Originality/value

This paper first aimed at the need to shape the ideal breast appearance for large-breasted women and make a further study of several hot-selling minimizer bras in China. The suggestions given in this paper help lingerie manufacturers better understand how design features of bras can affect their shaping effect and improve the wearing effect of minimizer bras for large-breasted women.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 36 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2010

Chi‐Shun Liao and Cheng‐Wen Lee

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how brassiere manufacturers develop new designs for bra products, suitable for individual consumers, through consumer codesign.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how brassiere manufacturers develop new designs for bra products, suitable for individual consumers, through consumer codesign.

Design/methodology/approach

New product design that relies on conjoint analysis algorithms can depict multidimensional attribute profiles, such that consumers' choice behavior reflects their preferences and overall judgment of the profiles. This statistical technique provides a means to codesign and customize bra products and thereby enhance the overall bra design process.

Findings

Bra products codesign suggests goals such as attractive appearance, shoulder strap style, vivid/mild color, elegance/sexy lace, comfort/practicality, fabric, lining, comfort/attractive appearance, neckline design, comfort/excellent function cut, sewn cups, and generous quantities. The most preferred combination of attributes for all respondents is a cotton/cotton blend fabric, seamless bra that offers a detachable shoulder strap, lavender color, a two‐strap style, lace details, and a low‐cut plunge neckline. The paper illustrates consumers' bra awareness attributes, codesign approach, and individual optimum individualized bra designs.

Practical implications

The results provide a useful source of information for product managers, who should consider the use of codesign to design the best products for individual consumers and decrease the risk of design failure, as well as promote consumer loyalty and satisfaction toward the product.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique method to understand the new product codesign structure and make bra product design decisions that integrate optimum individualized design.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 22 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2017

Osmud Rahman, Benjamin C.M. Fung, Zhimin Chen and Xiang Gao

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and identify the salient effects of apparel evaluativ1e cues in order to enrich our understanding of consumer preferences and behaviour…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and identify the salient effects of apparel evaluativ1e cues in order to enrich our understanding of consumer preferences and behaviour in two different socio-cultural contexts – Canada from the west and China of the east.

Design/methodology/approach

Online and paper questionnaires were used to collect data from Canada and China. Based on the prior research, 14 hypotheses were developed, and SPSS statistical analyses were used for this study.

Findings

According to the findings, Canadian and Chinese participants used price as an indicator of product quality and/or monetary sacrifice. Overall, the consumers from both countries were more concerned about the garment fit and style than brand name and country of origin. It is imperative for fashion practitioners to prioritise their resources and focus more on product research/design and prototype development. Fit, comfort and fabric were strongly correlated except in the “fit and comfort” of the Canadian sample. In addition, durability, ease of care and wardrobe coordination play a relatively less significant clothing evaluative role than many other product cues.

Originality/value

There are relatively few research studies have focussed on apparel consumer behaviour, and the salient impact of product-evaluative cues – particularly from a cross-national perspective. This study covers a wide array of important evaluative cues, and provides meaningful insights to both fashion academicians and practitioners. This is one of the few studies provide an in-depth and comprehensive report on the role and effects of apparel product cues.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1986

Harry Henry

Properly conceived, conducted and interpreted, motivation research can be an extremely powerful management tool, designed to help the manufacturer or advertiser to sell more…

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Abstract

Properly conceived, conducted and interpreted, motivation research can be an extremely powerful management tool, designed to help the manufacturer or advertiser to sell more goods. Its aim is to expose the market situation, explain it and suggest courses of action which will lead to desired changes. It is a way of looking at a problem rather than a collection of specialist techniques and is strictly practical. Hence it can be used alongside other market research tools for the solution of marketing problems and can be applied to a wide range of business activities. Much of its development has been in the advertising field but it can also help in the formulation of production policy, solving packaging problems and marketing operations. It is examined here in all these contexts. The idea of motivation research, the reasons for its use and the techniques by which to apply it are discussed, as well as the pitfalls that are likely to occur. New and imaginary case studies are used throughout to illustrate points. A review of the subject literature is included.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 4 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2005

Jing‐Jing Fang and Chang‐Kai Liao

A significant garment restyling tool was developed to perform garment design in three dimensions. It provides the professional designers the abilities of 3D garment creation…

Abstract

Purpose

A significant garment restyling tool was developed to perform garment design in three dimensions. It provides the professional designers the abilities of 3D garment creation, restyling, omni‐angle visualization, and fitting evaluation on a digital mannequin model. According to the body tape‐measurements defined in ISO 8559:1999(E) and ASTM D5219‐99 (1999), the extracted feature lines on computer mannequin dominate the shape of the apparel and also its associated fitting results. In this paper, the garment creation by the provided interfaces and its outcomes based on the developed system kernel and its formulas described in part I of the paper is demonstrated.

Design/methodology/approach

In part II of this paper, a three‐dimensional garment creation and restyling software based on the kernel infrastructure and formulas is implemented.

Findings

Currently, three fundamental dresses, two basic collars, and sleeve are successfully implemented in the creation of free style mannequin‐made apparels. Fitting results in static status are easily performed by detecting the allowances along the body feature lines and its near by. The base of an intuitive 3D computer‐aided garment design and manufacture is gradually formed starting from here.

Originality/value

In this paper, it is proved that garment creation and restyling can be achieved in three dimensions. This work provides a solution to how to manipulate a modifiable geometry in three dimensions and provide a friendly tool for reshaping.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2012

Debbie Risius, Richard Thelwell, Chris Wagstaff and Joanna Scurr

In addition to the psychological differentiation of older women, ageing has numerous effects on the breast, influencing the volume, density and constitution of the tissue. It is…

2102

Abstract

Purpose

In addition to the psychological differentiation of older women, ageing has numerous effects on the breast, influencing the volume, density and constitution of the tissue. It is currently unknown how these changes may affect bra requirements and bra consumer behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to explore factors of importance in bras in a cohort of women aged 45 to 65 years, whilst considering purchasing behaviour, brand loyalties and self‐image.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a grounded theoretical perspective, this study was exploratory in nature, including a mixture of five semi‐structured interviews and two focus groups with women, aged 45 to 65 years, to discuss bra habits, considerations, and influential factors of purchasing. Data were content analysed with additional frequency analysis.

Findings

The paper provides five key dimensions within which older women focus their attentions when purchasing bras. These are aesthetics, comfort, practicalities of bra purchase, breast support and psychological aspects. Participants purpose their bra requirements to be multifaceted and changing with increasing age.

Practical implications

Bra manufacturers and distributers may need to consider these factors when marketing towards an older population of women, to optimise products and subsequent sales.

Originality/value

The paper advances the literature by providing fundamental information on the key areas of consideration for older bra consumers.

Details

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-2026

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 October 2022

Hyojeong Lee and Yejin Lee

To provide guidelines for the development of textile electrode compression pants that collect reliable signals during surface electromyography (sEMG) measurements and maintain a…

174

Abstract

Purpose

To provide guidelines for the development of textile electrode compression pants that collect reliable signals during surface electromyography (sEMG) measurements and maintain a comfortable level of pressure.

Design/methodology/approach

To increase skin adhesion, 12 textile electrode bands for biceps brachii were prepared according to a combination of variables, namely, the type of the textile electrode, the pressure level and the presence or absence of an electrolyte. The dry textile electrode adopted herein was developed in terms of the size and material of the contact area, and a new electrode design was proposed. After examining the optimal design conditions by measuring the sEMGs during isometric exercise of the biceps brachii, prototype pants were designed based on the design variables that gave the most promising evaluation results. The completed prototype pants were verified through isometric thigh muscle exercises.

Findings

It was confirmed that the textile electrode was capable of EMG measurement with an excellent signal quality. Upon considering the comfort of wearing the device and the cost efficiency of dry electrodes, prototype pants that adopted a fit relative to a light clothing pressure (i.e. thigh: 1.3–1.9 kPa), and combined both silicon and silver thread embroidery with a wide contact area for stability, were designed and their sEMG measurements were confirmed.

Originality/value

In this study, wearable clothing based on textile electrodes was developed to ensure a comfortable fit from the wearer's perspective, and a design method was proposed for the development of low-cost SmartWear electrodes and circuits.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1991

Geoff Buxey

The paper highlights some Australian businesses where CAD‐CAM hasramifications for the quality of goods produced. Since this technologyconstitutes the core of flexible automation…

Abstract

The paper highlights some Australian businesses where CAD‐CAM has ramifications for the quality of goods produced. Since this technology constitutes the core of flexible automation, it eliminates direct human involvement with certain aspects of product and process design, and production. Therefore, the outcomes are more predictable. Reviews are presented of the various dimensions of quality and the potential benefits of CAD‐CAM. There is also some discussion of TQM and the tendency to focus on shopfloor (consistent) conformance to given product specifications, in contrast to recent attempts to emphasise design, because it offers more scope for gaining competitive advantage. The empirical evidence indicates that CAD‐CAM has indeed had a greater impact on preproduction activities, and toolmaking in particular, than on factory operations. Also, styling is very significant in the context of quality enhancement. The ability to machine to closer dimensional tolerances may have been somewhat oversold in this respect, unless the definition covers raising productivity through “getting it right first time”.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 11 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2016

Kaixuan Liu, Jianping Wang, Chun Zhu and Yan Hong

Currently, the researches on garment development and wear comfort evaluation mainly focus on the static condition type and seldom involved dynamic condition. Therefore, the…

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Abstract

Purpose

Currently, the researches on garment development and wear comfort evaluation mainly focus on the static condition type and seldom involved dynamic condition. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop cycling clothes’ patterns and evaluate their dynamic wear comfort.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the 3D-to-2D flattening technology was applied to develop garment patterns of a cycler’s jersey T-shirt. Then, 3D animation technology was used to simulate the scene of cycling. Next, a novel pressure-measuring method was proposed to measure static and dynamic clothing pressures in a virtual environment. Finally, the collected data were used for evaluating wear comfort.

Findings

Compared to static conditions, the dynamic wear comfort noticeably improved at the front neck, side neck, upper front chest, around back neck point and front shoulder, and the front neck. Compared to static conditions, the dynamic wear comfort visibly deteriorates at the back neck, below chest, outseam, back except around back neck point and around scapula, and the around scapula area. The dynamic pressure at back neck, below front chest and shoulder fluctuate wildly throughout the whole cycling. On the contrary, the dynamic pressure at the front neck, side neck, front upper chest and at the back cause it to tend to stability during cycling.

Originality/value

The 3D virtual-reality technology was applied to simulate cycling. And a novel method was proposed to measure numerical clothing pressures for evaluating the dynamic wear comfort. The proposed method can not only quantitatively evaluate the wear comfort of cycling clothes and optimize cycling clothes’ patterns, but also can be applied to other tight garment types.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

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