Causative factors for the acceptance of denim as a clothing fashion by Sri Lankan consumers

Abstract

“Denim” has united the world from its origin to the present day, playing different roles to satisfy different requirements of society as a clothing fashion. This has been accepted throughout the world due to different factors that are unique to a specific community, context, or period of time. This research was a comprehensive study to identify the factors that have caused the acceptance of denim as a clothing fashion in Sri Lanka despite its extrinsic origin. The study was done using a mixed methods approach where both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through literature, structured interviews, and questionnaire surveys to support the analytical framework, which was modified from the consumer behaviour process. The behaviour of Sri Lankan Denim consumers has been observed through a dual perspective approach to identify the causative factors for the acceptance of Denim. As the final outcome of this research, a set of causative factors that were identified by the consumers and supported by the manufacturers, designers, or marketers were analysed in three phases of the consumer behaviour process to elaborate on how the acceptance of Denim has occurred and continued within the context of Sri Lanka.