The Sense of the Seasons and Fashion in Wear Behaviour

― A Comparative Study of Female University Students and Their Mothers ―

Abstract

This study investigates how the sense of the seasons is expressed through the fashion of female university students and their mothers. There were many differences found in the perceptions between the students and their mothers regarding fashion, the seasons, and the degree to which each celebrated or annual events.

Amongst both the female students and their mothers, many participants wear clothes that reflect an awareness of the seasons. However, there are differences in the way this expression is made between the two groups, which can be considered as a generation gap.

Additionally, the relationship between the seasonal fashions and the degree of observation of the Japanese traditional holidays and annual events is investigated. By comparing the respondents with a high degree of involvement in holidays and annual events to those with a low degree, it was confirmed that those with a higher degree tend to not only perceive seasonal clothes as stylish and fashionable, but also place value on the practicality of clothes that match the season.