Fabric quality issues related to apparel merchandising

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to develop an understanding of fabric quality related issues and research gaps relevant to apparel manufacturing and merchandising within the South African context. The specific focus is on fabric objective measurement (FOM), a relatively new and highly advanced technology which involves a new generation of instrumentally measured parameters that provide a more complete picture of fabric quality, tailorability and clothing performance, and which has found wide application internationally. The research involves a questionnaire survey of major clothing and retail companies in South Africa and interviews with them, with a specific focus on apparel and garment manufacturing and retailing in South Africa.