Functional attributes of clothing preferences of students in universities in Nigeria: Implications for clothing and textiles education

Abstract

This study looked at the practical aspects of students’ choices of attire in Nigerian universities. The study determined the drivers of students’ clothing preferences in Nigerian universities, as well as objectively identified the clothes that they favored and evaluated their practical features. This study was led by one hypothesis and three research questions. Southern Nigeria was the study’s focus. The study design was ex post facto, and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were applied. There were 28,650 students enrolled. Multistage sampling was used to first select three state universities by random sampling technique, a sample size of 585 undergraduates were purposively selected who were between 18 and 30 years of age and among the 200–400-level courses in the universities. To collect the data, an observation checklist and functional attributes of clothing preference questionnaire (FACPQ) were used, reliability coefficient with Kuder–Richardson-20 coefficient was obtained for an overall competent level (OCL) of 0.86. Cronbach’s α coefficient obtained for clothing preference determinants is 0.820 and functional attributes is = 0.85. Percentage, mean, standard deviation (SD), and t-test at 0.05 significance level were used to analyze data. The results showed that the fashion preferences of students included, among other things, leggings, spaghetti tops, slim faded, and torn jeans, hipster (low waist/sagging pants), bum shorts, and miniskirts. The following factors are determined by clothing: Brand, influence from peer groups, current fashion, self-satisfaction, ease of wear, attractive appearance, availability of clothing, and not durability, figure type, wearer’s mood, fit, money available, or comfort. When it comes to comfort, mobility, ease of task performance and activities, protection, and safety, student attire has low functional qualities. The wardrobe choices of undergraduate males and females did not significantly differ from one another. The upshot is that teaching pupils about clothes and textiles will encourage appropriate clothing choices and wearing habits while also aiding in the prevention of indecent attire. As teenagers and young adults, their main concern is keeping up with the times and dressing stylishly to satisfy peer pressure and standards. It was suggested that colleges set a clothing code to help students control their wardrobe, provide workshops and seminars on good fashion once new students are admitted, and punish those who do not follow the rules.