Conference article

The salability in Japan of clothes designed and sold in China was evaluated by experts from both countries. The salability of clothes designed and sold in Japan was also investigated. Five Japanese jackets were purchased for evaluation from a department store in Tokyo; and 10 items of Chinese clothing (two dresses and eight jackets) were purchased for evaluation from a department store in Beijing. Seven Japanese apparel experts (two university professors; two designers; a pattern maker; and two merchandisers) and 10 Chinese apparel experts (eight university professors; an art director; and a designer) evaluated the clothing items. The experts were not informed of the item specifications; including price; brand; materials; and country of manufacture. The sample items were evaluated on the basis of their 1) materials; 2) colors; 3) silhouette; 4) design emphasis points; 5) designer ability; 6) pattern maker ability; and 7) sewing finish. Each point of evaluation was scored on a 0–2 or 0–3-point scale. Evaluators were required to specify the reason for each score they gave. Points were accumulated to give a general score. We found that Japanese experts focused on general design and sewing finish; while Chinese experts considered more general design points. Materials and sewing finish were evaluated independently of general design points. Thus; our results indicate that clothing is evaluated differently in Japan and China. We conclude that it is necessary to consider the respective evaluation points used in each country as we pursue globalization.

Chinese Apparel; Japanese Apparel; Clothing Evaluation; Apparel Expert.