Clothing problems of the teen-age boy

Abstract

The sample was composed of 111 teen-age boys and one parent of each boy from the Blacksburg, Virginia area. Data were collected in the spring of 1960 and have been tabulated, summarized and analyzed.

Boys' clothing was evaluated according to likes and dislikes for style, color and comfort. The size, content and cost of an average teen-age boy's wardrobe was ascertained. The cost ranged from $157.20 to $518.00, with an average total cost of $175.00. A large percentage of the family income was spent on teen-age boy's clothing in all age groups.

Most of the buying of the boys clothing was done by the boy and his mother together. Only a small percentage of the mothers in this study indicated that any clothing was made at home. A high percentage of the mothers were influenced by brand names when purchasing undergarments, shirts, shoes, and jeans and slacks. Many mothers encountered difficulties when buying ready-made clothing in the specific areas of workmanship and growth allowance.

Those who reported owning formal wear were in the older age group. The younger group rented or borrowed formal wear when it was needed.

This study indicated that much more consumer buymanship training was needed.