Study reveals clothes-buying habits

KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
Quality? Fashion? Price? What do you prioritize in shopping for clothes?
One study published recently by the Cotton Council's Monitor, a mini-magazine that tracks lifestyle trends, shows practicality and price to be in the lead. Flair and fashion rank lower among American consumers.
In 1994, 64 percent of the people polled were willing to pay more for quality. By 2002 the figure had shifted downward to 56 percent.
Fewer people buy on impulse, a drop from 41 percent just a year ago to 36 percent of total purchases. Sixty-seven percent of people queried said higher priced clothing is not better quality.
Never mind the stiletto pumps. Seven out of 10 women are no longer too willing to sacrifice comfort for fashion.