Sustainability and Social Responsibility

The Perception of Odor in Textiles: An Exploratory Study

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Abstract

Focus group interviews were carried out to explore what consumers experiences were with odor in their clothing and whether odor in clothing lead to behaviors which facilitated premature discard and changes in laundering of that clothing. The study found that all of the participants (n=19) experienced odor build up in various items of clothing at some time. All participants concluded that odor build up in clothing is problematic and each individual was able to recall a negative use-experience with an odorous item. Furthermore, all participants had also noted a series of behavioral changes with respect to laundering, disposal, and care of an odorous item.

How to Cite:

Kowton, J. & McQueen, R., (2016) “The Perception of Odor in Textiles: An Exploratory Study”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 73(1).