Analysis of Smart Clothing Demand and Its Influencing Factors among Outdoor Sports Participants

Eun-Young Song; Chang-Hee Choi

doi:10.21086/ksles.2026.4.33.3.345

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2026 Vol.33, Issue 3 Preview Page

Research Article

Analysis of Smart Clothing Demand and Its Influencing Factors among Outdoor Sports Participants 아웃도어 스포츠 참여자의 스마트 의류 요구와 영향 요인 분석

30 June 2026. pp. 345-357

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Abstract

This study investigated the needs for smart clothing among outdoor sports participants and identified the factors associated with these needs. A survey was conducted with 324 participants attending a sports camping event held in Buan, South Korea, between July and August 2024. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The results showed that breathability (53.7%), elasticity (32.7%), and mobility (26.9%) were the most preferred functions in outdoor sportswear. For smart clothing, health and activity monitoring (48.5%), environmental adaptation and protection (48.1%), and safety and location-based functions (46.6%) were the most desired features. Smart clothing demand was positively correlated with functional apparel needs, environmental sensitivity, physical strain, and participation motivation. In the final regression model, functional apparel needs were identified as the only significant independent predictor of smart clothing demand (β = .233, p < .01). Activity characteristics, environmental sensitivity, physical strain, wearable technology barriers, and participation motivation were not identified as independent predictors in the final model. These findings suggest that smart clothing demand is more strongly associated with users’ functional apparel needs than with activity participation levels or personal characteristics. Future smart outdoor clothing should therefore focus on providing practical functions related to health monitoring, environmental adaptation, and safety.

키워드

Smart clothing

Wearable technology

Outdoor sports

Functional apparel needs

Smart clothing demand

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Publisher(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Journal Title :Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Journal Title(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Volume : 33
No :3
Pages :345-357
Received Date : 2026-05-20
Revised Date : 2026-06-04
Accepted Date : 2026-06-18
DOI :https://doi.org/10.21086/ksles.2026.4.33.3.345

Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System ISSN:1226-1289(Print) 한국생활환경학회

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