Japanese–French tastes in simulated women’s sportswear t-shirts

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate differences in taste in women’s sportswear t-shirts, between Japanese and French people. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey on the impression of the appearance of t-shirts was conducted using three-dimensional simulations that the authors created. A sensory test was carried out for 24 designs (having varying types of sleeves, bodice length and fitting) on 51 examinees (26 Japanese and 25 French) who voluntarily participated. Findings Results show that both Japanese and French people most appreciated very short t-shirts and considered sleeveless and tank top shirts to be the most appropriated for exercise. Participants liked a cool, modern, showy, short, special, elaborate and feminine design. Additionally, Japanese people considered that casual clothes that are suitable for exercise are not suitable for wearing outside the gym, whereas this was not notable for French people. Originality/value The results of the present study will allow the sportswear industry to better target clients.