The Effect of Pleat Number and Skirt Length on the Visual Image of a Pleated Skirt by the Age Group

Abstract

For the purpose of providing information for the apparel field, the effects of changing the pleat number and skirt length on the visual image of 30 types of pleated skirts by age group were analyzed. The major results are as follows. Changes in the pleat number and skirt length were strongly related to the visual image of pleated skirts; the more pleats there are, the more complicated, dressy and feminine they look, while the fewer pleats there are, the more calm and plain they are regarded. In addition, it was revealed that the shorter the skirts are, the more casual, childlike and simple they look, while the longer they are, the more formal, heavy, mature and luxurious they appeared. Image changes were much more significant for the skirt length than they were for the number of pleats, while for age groups, the number of pleats accounted for much larger differences in visual image than the skirt length. In particular, compared to other age groups, there was a significant difference in image scores for subjects aged 10 to 19 for skirts that were uncommon, and for subjects in their 50s for skirts that gave them a sophisticated and charming image. As a result of principal component analysis, it is considered that the 1st principal component analysis (PC1) largely contributes to an element expressing sensitive fashion image based on expression, while PC2 contributes to the age factor based on activity. However, it was revealed that the items which strongly influence the major components are different by age, as are the items which determine the image of pleated skirts.