The Influence Of Constructional Factors On The Serviceability And Discard Of Custom-Made Clothing Among Female Students In The University Of Cape Coast

ABSTRACT

This study examined the influence that constructional factors have on the

serviceability and discard on custom-made clothing. Specifically, the study

investigated the relationship between seaming, fit, fastening, underlining factors and

serviceability of custom-made clothing among female students in the University of

Cape Coast. It also examined the association between clothing serviceability and

discard of customized garments.

A quantitative descriptive survey design was employed and questionnaire was

developed and administered among 233 randomly selected students of the University.

The instrument attained a reliability coefficient of .838 during the pilot-testing.

Statistical methods like percentages, frequencies, means, standard deviation, Pearson’s

correlation and Chi-square test were used.

It emerged that serviceability was significantly related to all the constructional

factors. Also, there was no association found between serviceability and years of

discard of customized garments. Slit and kaba, and skirt and blouse were the main

custom-made garments that many of the respondents had discarded.

It is recommended that dressmakers should pay particular attention to the

above important factors if they want to remain in business. Dressmakers should

sensitized to the importance of constructional factors’ relationship to serviceability

which would in the long run affect their productivity. This is likely to reduce the high

rate of discard of custom-made garments.