Clothing Values

Question 1

Values

Answer 1

Clothing does not have the same degree of importance to all people. Neither are the reasons why individuals choose the clothes they wear, the same. Our clothing behaviour is determined by our clothing values, attitudes and interests. These in turn are consistent with our general values and interests.
What is value? We use the term value for a more basic and broader concept than an attitude or interest. While attitudes or interests are specific to a given topic, values are fundamental beliefs and feelings that motivate, direct or determine our actions. Mature people have a set of deeply held values that forms a unifying philosophy of life and gives meaning and significance to everything they do.
The psychologists Allport, Vernon and Lindzey developed a measure of six basic value types. Apart from those six value types (aesthetic, economic, political, social, theoretical and religious) clothing experts reason that a second social value, a comfort value and maybe an individualistic value can be added. While the first social value results in the expression of regard and love for your fellowman through clothing behaviour, the second social value results in a desire to obtain social approval from the group you live among, by conforming to their clothing pattern.

Question 2

Theoretical

Answer 2

Interests in the theoretical aspects of clothing (a clothing teacher perhaps?); fibre content of a garment or honest use of materials might be important.

Question 3

Economic

Answer 3

Clothing must be good value for money: utility, quality and

price are important.

Question 4

Aesthetic

Answer 4

Clothing must be beautiful.

Question 5

Political

Answer 5

Clothing may be used to obtain prestige, distinction and leadership or to influence other people.
This value has nothing to do with party politics. Wearing a DA or ANC T-shirt is NOT an example of behaviour indicating a high political clothing value.

Question 6

Religious



Answer 6

Clothing must be simple and modest; it must not be revealing or decorated.

Question 7

Social I

Answer 7

In no way clothing must offend your fellowman; an expensive garment will not be worn if your friends cannot afford it.

Question 8

Social II

Answer 8

Clothing must look like what the group is wearing (must be “in” with the group) to win their acceptance.

Question 9

Comfort

Answer 9

In no way clothing must irritate the skin, be too tight or uncomfortable.

Question 10

Individuality

Answer 10

Clothing must express your own individual personality; it must be really “you”.