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Cotton in the Athleisure Market

  1. Open Access Kent State
  2. Conferences & Events
  3. Undergraduate Research Symposium
  4. 2020 - Kent State University Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity
  5. Fashion Merchandising
  6. Cotton in the Athleisure Market
Author(s)
  • Emily Casto
  • Christina Schorsch
Abstract
The use of different laundering techniques can either elongate an items lifespan or shorten it. For cotton athletic apparel, most consumers are unaware of the proper laundering techniques needed to preserve the items original look, shape, and feel. Although most consumers favor this fabric, this lack of knowledge often leads to negative reviews for a company’s cotton athleisure, which can be very damaging to their brand image, when the problem most likely arises from improper care. Unfortunately, there is very limited information regarding the best ways to launder cotton activewear, especially depending on the construction process and finishes used. We conducted research to identify what laundering issues frustrated consumers the most and whether or not they would be interested in learning the best ways to care for their garments, even if the process is unfamiliar and inconvenient. Most survey participants responded that shrinking/deformation, wrinkling, and lingering odor were their biggest concerns, and that they would be willing to use alternative methods to properly care for their garments. Consumers want to know that the clothing they invest in is going to perform the way it’s advertised, therefore will take extra steps to make this happen. Furthermore, designers and other leaders in the fashion industry must work to create stronger materials that will withstand basic laundering procedures or speak out more regarding alternative ways to properly care for cotton athleisure.
Format
Conference Proceeding
Contributor(s)
Faculty Mentor
Buhyung Cho
Modified Abstract

The use of different laundering techniques can either elongate an items lifespan or shorten it. For cotton athletic apparel, most consumers are unaware of the proper laundering techniques needed to preserve the items original look, shape, and feel. Although most consumers favor this fabric, this lack of knowledge often leads to negative reviews for a company’s cotton athleisure, which can be very damaging to their brand image, when the problem most likely arises from improper care. Unfortunately, there is very limited information regarding the best ways to launder cotton activewear, especially depending on the construction process and finishes used. We conducted research to identify what laundering issues frustrated consumers the most and whether or not they would be interested in learning the best ways to care for their garments, even if the process is unfamiliar and inconvenient. Most survey participants responded that shrinking/deformation, wrinkling, and lingering odor were their biggest concerns, and that they would be willing to use alternative methods to properly care for their garments. Consumers want to know that the clothing they invest in is going to perform the way it’s advertised, therefore will take extra steps to make this happen. Furthermore, designers and other leaders in the fashion industry must work to create stronger materials that will withstand basic laundering procedures or speak out more regarding alternative ways to properly care for cotton athleisure.

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