Abstract
The purposes of this study were to examine stereotypic perceptions associated with the fiber content of jeans and to determine if a prejudice exists againstjeans made of polyester. In an experimental design the independent variable was four variations of hangtag information: 100% cotton, 100% polyester, 50% cotton/50% polyester, and no fiber content information. The dependent variable was a list of attributes associated with jeans which subjects evaluated by checking 7-point Likert-type scales. Two variations of the study were conducted in order to test for stereotypic perceptions and to determine if a prejudice exists against polyester jeans. Results indicated jeans labeled 100% polyester were characterized as low quality garments that were of low quality fabric and construction and not likely to be purchased by college students. Thus, it appears there is a stereotype associated with polyester; however, there is not a prejudice against polyester jeans as subjects did not misperceive or disregard information (100% cotton fabric) that conflicted with the polyester stereotype.
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