Factors Influencing The Selection And Acquisition Of Clothing Items Among Undegraduates In Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti

This study examined the factors influencing the selection and acquisition of clothing items among undergraduates in Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Many undergraduates often find themselves in situations where they borrow clothes for social events like parties, buy clothes on credit, or allocate a significant portion of their pocket money to clothing purchases. These behaviors stem from a desire to maintain a certain social image, adhere to fashion trends, or fit in with peers, often leading to financial strain and dependence on borrowing. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The study examined the physical features of the clothing, psychological and socio-economic factors that influenced the selection and acquisition of clothing items among these undergraduates. A descriptive survey research approach was adopted for this study. Simple random sampling techniques were used to select Two Hundred and Five (205) respondents. The questionnaire used for data collection was designed and titled “Factors Influencing the Selection and Acquisition of Clothing Items (FISACI)”. Findings from the respondents showed that, Physical features like style, quality of material, and fit (x=3.24), significantly influence undergraduates’ clothing choices, psychological factors, including the desire to express personal identity and peer pressure (x=3.29), drive many clothing purchases among undergraduates, Socioeconomic factors, such as income level and financial literacy (x=3.11), strongly impact students’ ability to make informed clothing purchases. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-test. Based on the findings, undergraduates should learn to live within their means by budgeting for all clothing expenses before buying. Also, undergraduates desired of good taste in clothing selection can make up for the extra expenses by engaging in part time jobs; among other recommendations were made.