This collection of articles from popular magazines, newspapers, books, and scholarly journals expands the reader's awareness and understanding of what dress is all about. The well-written essays illustrate essential topics, such as dress and sociology, cultural studies, consumer behavior, fashion systems, political conflict, and technological changes. Introductions to each chapter, written by the book's editors, discuss concepts and put the readings in larger perspective. Design and merchandising students will gain insight into how and why consumers buy clothing and other products related to dress and will grasp ways to forecast future trends. The book serves all interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary course needs.