Abstract
This study was intended to identify the constructing factors and hierarchy of images in the gathered skirts, which is expected to be helpful in shape classification. The gathered skirts were made by different gathering conditions: three kinds of the gathers ratio(1.5T, 2.0T, 2.5T) and different fabrics(cotton, mixed wool, polyester). 45 undergraduate and graduate women students responded to the nine gathered skirts during December in 2004 to February in 2005. 184 words expressing gathered skirt were collected through the investigation and analysis of questionnaires. 32 words arranged in based on the standard form with frequency before conducting factor analysis to identify the constructing factors of gathered skirt images. As a result of factors analysis, 2 factors-H shape, A shape were found out as constructing factors of gathered skirts. To explain the hierarchy of gathered skirt images, cluster analysis was applied. To observe the association of 32 words, dendrogram was introduced, and to interpret the result, five sub clusters were determined. This 5 clusters were continuously combined according to their frequency, based on the factors marks. Two major division of image clusters were 'simple and neat image', and 'fairly good and feminine image'.
