Social and Psychological Aspects

Do Clothes Really Make the Man or Woman?

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Abstract

This research seeks to determine the importance of interview apparel and shoes to pre-professionals and professionals involved in the interviewing and hiring of individuals for retail management positions. Surveys containing pictures of five men and women in various types of dress ranging from casual to professional were posted in Survey Monkey. Results indicate that clothing and footwear do influence hiring decisions for management positions in retail. Human resource professionals and upper management expect pre-professionals to recognize and wear professional dress when interviewing. The undergraduate students surveyed did not always agree with what garments and shoes would be considered professional dress, and these results give educators information to include when preparing pre-professionals for interviews.

How to Cite:

Southward, L., Blaylock, K., Pate, S., Adams, M. K. & Hargraves, J., (2017) “Do Clothes Really Make the Man or Woman?”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 74(1).