• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.117-126
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• 2022

This study aims to analyze the sizing information of women's ready-to-wear pants as indicated on online retail websites and to suggest better sizing communication that can assist customers in making successful apparel size selections. We gathered size specifications and size reference information for basic straight pants from 34 online apparel retail websites. Although the Korean standard recommends labeling the body dimension-based sizing code and specification, most websites preferred to use various types of sizing codes. Body measurements were only used by a few websites, and garment dimension descriptions were the most common method to indicate product size. Many websites provided size reference information through customer review boards and fit model images, however, there was insufficient body size information to allow customers to infer the fit of their body type. When using the size guidance tools, the major data input points were stature and weight measurements. However, the waist measurements of pants sizes guided only by stature and weight values revealed inconsistent ease allowance for corresponding body size populations, especially in the overweight group. Based on our findings, we propose a more effective method of communicating the size information of pants online. We expect that this will contribute to the efficiency of online apparel product display and build a better shopping environment that satisfies both sellers and consumers.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.617-627
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• 2020

This study investigates the apparel sizing communication presented in online retail websites focusing on women's ready-to-wear tailored jackets and to analyze the meaning of these information as the actual product size guide factor. A total of 34 retail websites were selected based on the highest growth fashion companies list and the best fashion brands list. We collected size information in two types: size specifications including sizing code, body measurements, garment measurements, and size references including customized size guide tools, size information in customer reviews, model size information, and others. Most websites prefer to present garment measurements rather than body measurements that are recommended notations under Korean standards and related regulations. In addition, there was the absence of consistency in presenting measurements list and terms that can confuse consumers in size communication. This study found that the stature measurement was a key factor in size reference despite that it did not represent a proper garment size. The obsolete Korean numbering sizing code such as '55 and '66 was still used in many ways such as idiomatic expressions for body shape. It also implied that we can take advantage of the old sizing code for accessible size information. The finding of this study gives an in-depth diagnosis of current online sizing information problems and suggests useful basic data for developing online apparel size standards and marketing strategies.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.916-928
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• 2009

The objective of this study is to investigate the differences in online visual merchandising practices of online apparel retailers between Korea and China. The 40 websites based on the sales were selected with 5 retail stores per website. Totally, 200 online retail stores were analyzed by content analysis and chi-square test. As a result, 8 online visual merchandising factors were extracted: convenience, product presence, product information, service, interest, participation, aesthetics, and fitness. There were significant differences in all 8 factors of online visual merchandising practices of apparel retail stores between Korea and China. The contribution of this study is to supply for understanding of what are the online visual merchandising composition items and factors and how they were used differently between Korea and China in a real situation of online visual merchandising.

• International Journal of Costume and Fashion
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.1-14
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• 2012

To date most of the research concerning e-service quality in the context of online apparel settings has had a female or a generalized for gender and age focus. To expand the scope of understanding of online consumers, this study focuses on the key dimensions of e-service quality which affect male Generation Y consumers' e-satisfaction which in turn may affect their e-loyalty. A convenience sample of male college students was recruited from a Korean university. The findings of this study showed that privacy, personalization, efficiency, and website design were the key dimensions that have significant positive relationships with e-satisfaction. The positive relationship between e-satisfaction and e-loyalty was also confirmed. Managerial implications and suggestions for further research are further discussed.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.272-285
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• 2012

The purpose of the study is to examine the role of consumer perceptions of websites' entertainment and informativeness in developing their attitudes (attitude toward the retailer and attitude confidence toward the product) in the context of apparel e-tailing. A structural equation model was developed for an empirical test based on the literature on uses-and-gratifications and attitude confidence. A sample of 119 consumers who live in the United States participated in the online survey. The results generally supported the proposed model. Specifically, the analyses revealed that consumers' purchase intention toward the displayed product is positively influenced by their attitudes toward the retailer and by their confidence in their attitudes toward the product. Interestingly, only one of the two cognitive antecedents, perceived entertainment, has a positive impact on consumers' attitude toward the retailer. Perceived informativeness, however, had a positive impact on attitude confidence. These findings suggest that consumers who have high perception of an e-tail website's entertainment are more likely to exhibit favorable attitudes toward the e-tailer, while consumers who have high perception of an e-tail website's informativeness are more likely to hold strong confidence in their attitudes toward the product displayed on the website. Both consumer attitudes toward the e-tailer and their attitude confidence lead to their purchase intentions.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.73-84
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• 2023

This study aims to identify the current sizing communication issues of menswear on retail websites and to suggest an effective size information presentation method. Based on sales frequency and awareness in the Korean menswear market, 22 brand websites were selected, and size-related information was investigated using 7 types of representative apparel items. The current diverse types of size codes had limitations in delivering actual product size information. Many websites preferred to display garment dimensions rather than basic body measurements, which is the suggested size designation method in Korean Standard. The websites posted fit model photos and customer reviews. However, the body size specifications, which consumers can use as a useful reference, were often omitted. There was also a high uncertainty in product size selection, with only the basic body measurement information listed, and there was a high deviation of garment dimensions within the same basic body measurements. The product size distribution did not match actual Korean body types. Based on the findings, we suggested improved effective sizing communication methods. These methods will contribute to a better online shopping environment for both consumers and retail sellers.