ABSTRACT

Clothing is one of the basic needs of man. Adolescents regard clothing and social acceptance as very important. This study examined the clothing practices of female undergraduates in Abia and Eiugu States. Factors that influence the clothing selection of the female undergraduates were determined. The problems associated with their clothing practices were also identified. Suggestions for improving the clothing practices of female undergraduates were also highlighted. Four Universities were selected using purposive sampling method. Validated pilot tested structured questionnaires were administered to the female undergraduates by simple random method. Two hundred and forty fully completed questionnaires were returned. Frequencies, simple percentages, chi-square and means were used in analyzing the data. Results from the data revealed that one of the major factors that affect the clothing selection of the female undergraduates was the occasion they intend to use the attires as indicated by the respondents at UNN (70.8%), ESUT (70.8%), MOUAU (70.7%) and ABSU (85.7%). Results also showed that high rate of fashion change was one of the most predominate problem the female undergraduates encounter in their clothing selection as indicated by the mean responses at UN (4.8), ESUT (5.3), MOUAU (4.2) and ABSU (5.2). The female xlv undergraduates suggested that the government should release bursary allowances to the students so as to enable them cater for both their academic and clothing needs. Results from the chi-square analysis showed that there is a significant difference on * how the weather conditions of the various universities affect the clothing practices of the female undergraduates. There is also a significant difference on how the environment of the various universities affect the clothing practices female undergraduates. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that consumer education on clothing selection should be organized in tertiary institutions as a measure towards improving the clothing practices of female undergraduates in Nigerian Universities.