Discusses the importance of clothing as a means of communicating nonverbally in social situations and urges that a "semantics of clothing communication" be compiled to increase understanding of human life. (RB)

Based on people's implicit expectations about how high and low self-monitors will present themselves, it was hypothesized that observers would be able to infer dispositional characteristics of the two personality types from their clothing preferences. To test this hypothesis, prototypical wardrobes were empirically constructed for the high and low…

Describes an introductory fiber arts unit for children and university students based on weaving the traditional Scottish tartan plaid on the floor or table loom. Concludes that the tartan plaid presents students with a satisfying artistic medium which can be mastered by all age levels. (GEA)

Examined same-sex awareness by comparing the visual attention of 51 college students toward stimulus persons. Results showed men looked longer at slides of women both clothed and in bathing suits than slides of men, and women looked longest at slides of clothed women. Results suggested intrasex competitiveness and intersex attraction. (JAC)

Adhering to the rule that "costumes are not clothes" and listing 100 musicals under 8 general categories, this guidebook applies a "crossover system" whereby costumes from one show can easily be altered for any other show within the same category. The eight costume styles used in the guide are labeled: Medieval/Shakespearean;…

Describes the development and pretest of a content analytic category scheme for objectively measuring the sexiness of women's business attire in media presentations. Finds the television samples significantly more provocative than real world attire. Finds a significant positive correlation between the degree of sexiness as measured by the content…

Conducted prior to September 11, 2001, this qualitative study explored the perceptions and experiences of seven women who veiled on a large college campus in the Midwest. With national origins ranging from Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, to the United States, some participants reevaluated and subsequently unveiled due to their college experiences.…

Posits a critical approach to the study of contemporary social controversy. Examines objectives to the use of fur as oppositional argument, rhetoric that veers from the goal of persuasion to block conventional associations and refashion communication norms. Shows how pro-fur responses illustrate strategies available to bolster, alter, or abandon…

As computer-assisted design (CAD) become an integral part of the fashion industry, universities must integrate CAD into the apparel curriculum. Louisiana State University's curriculum enables students to collaborate in CAD problem solving with industry personnel. (SK)

A questionnaire about professional image and attire was completed by 56 nursing faculty (56%) and 191 students (33%). Older faculty and older students preferred more traditional attire for nurses. Faculty and students in the upper division preferred nontraditional attire. Faculty positively influenced student perceptions of professional image. (SK)

Tables categorize 635 family and consumer sciences theses and dissertations by institution and subject. The list of titles is categorized as follows: art and design, child development, clothing/apparel, communications, family and consumer sciences, family relations, resource management, foods, human environment/housing, hotel/restaurant…

A study was conducted to assess the relationship between printed t-shirts and communication apprehension. In the first phase of the study, self-reports were used to categorize 206 college students as either high or low in communication apprehension. The second phase of the study consisted of others' evaluations of t-shirts worn by selected…

This annotated bibliography, designed for secondary and postsecondary teachers and practitioners of theatre costuming, contains a basic listing of recent and reprinted works on costume history. Most of the books included in this bibliography are in print, are easily obtainable, and contain reproductions of contemporary art and garments.…

The most popular liberal arts elective offered during "Interim," a three-week intensive study semester given at the Fashion Institute of Technology, is described. Course origin, concept and format, course instructor, department coordinator, and course modifications are described. (MLW)

In a clothing for special needs class, one student project involved becoming a clothing consultant to a blind man. The student and client evaluated and coded his wardrobe using a Braille-adapted computer, made Braille labels for clothing, and shopped to fill gaps in the wardrobe. The service learning project connected classroom learning with a…