An investigation into how the human environment influences the clothes people wear in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana

Abstract

The general objective of the study was to investigate how the human environment influences the clothes people wear and the geographical area for the study was the Kumasi Metropolis. The survey population included people who wear clothing in the Kumasi Metropolis. The sample size was made up of Metropolitan Areas (150) respondents. This included thirty (30) respondents each from the five selected Sub-Metropolitan Areas in the Kumasi Metropolis. That is, Bantama, Nhyieso, Manhyia, Subin and Kwadaso Sub-Metros. The researcher used simple random and purposive sampling techniques for the study. Most of the respondents (40.7%) do not consider their environment in the selection of their clothes though some do to a limited extent. Ghanaians had positive approval of clothes such as knit close fitting garments, halter style garments, fitting trousers, Men’s suit, kaba and slit, Fugu (smock), long sleeved men’s shirt and women's suit but frowned on the wearing of short dresses and skirts, flared flippy skirt, short shorts, low waisted, revealing shirts, shirts showing chest and transparent lace clothes etc. These clothes are seen as alien to the social, cultural and religious beliefs of the Ghanaian people. Manufacturers of various clothing in considering the taste and preferences of the consumers should factor in the legal, cultural and religious beliefs of the people in the production of clothes as some clothes due to their lack of moral or ethical standards are anathemas in certain society. Suppliers due to climate variations should consider the kind of clothes they supply into a society.