Choosing and Caring for Clothing Choosing Clothes That Meet Your Needs

Factors that Influence Clothing Decisions Physical Needs-to protect your body Weather (cold/wet) Weather (cold/wet) Environment (life jacket/hiking boots) Environment (life jacket/hiking boots) Workplace (road workers/firefighters) Workplace (road workers/firefighters) Lifestyle (daily activities/sports) Lifestyle (daily activities/sports)

 Psychological Needs-certain characteristics to convey how you feel  Colors (bright may make you feel happy)  Fabrics (feel relaxed in soft fabrics)  Styles (confident when in formal styles)

 Social Needs-need for acceptance  Group Identification  Uniforms-distinctive outfits that identify those who wear them with a specific group  Dress Code-standards of dress that are enforced in a social setting (societal dress codes reflect people’s beliefs about modesty, or the proper way to cover the body in various settings)

 Status-a person’s rank within a group (logos, accessories, varsity jackets)  Conformity VS Individuality-what others wear greatly influences clothing choices  Conformity-wearing garments similar to those worn by others (gives a felling of belonging)  Individuality-choosing clothes that set you apart from others (wearing some garments similar to peers but unique allows people to dress to suit their moods and create impressions with clothing)

Special Needs-people with disabilities may have special clothing needs. Older people (casual, comfortable clothes) Older people (casual, comfortable clothes) Easy care Easy care Simple fasteners and larger openings Simple fasteners and larger openings Elastic waists knit fabrics Elastic waists knit fabrics

Choosing Clothes for Specific Occasions Weddings Job interviews First time you meet the parents of your dating partner Clothing for specific occasions should not emphasize your individuality; conformity is a safer policy in certain situations. Clothing for specific occasions should not emphasize your individuality; conformity is a safer policy in certain situations.

Fashion Cycle Someone Wears a New Style The Item is Worn by a Model or Celebrity It Becomes High Fashion Many People Begin to Wear It The Item is Not Longer Worn