The purpose of this research was to determine women's preferences for either imported or domestic blouses. A questionnaire was distributed to two groups: 114 students at The University of Alabama and 104 women in Tuscaloosa women's clubs. Information was obtained to: determine proportionate numbers of women's imported and domestic blouses purchased by the consumers, iden tify reasons for the consumers' purchases of either imported or domestic blouses, and examine relationships between socioeconomic factors and con sumer preferences for imported or domestic blouses. Data analysis included frequency distributions and cross tabulation procedures. A chi square was com puted on the appropriate variables to test relationships. Most of the blouses pur chased by students were imported, while most of those purchased by club women were domestic made. The purchase motive indicated most frequently by both groups were: color coordination with existing wardrobe, unusual detail (trim, styling, etc.), and attractive price. No significant relationships were found when the proportions of imported or domestic blouses purchased were cross‐tab ulated with age and income categories. The fact that consumers in this study purchased blouses for the same reasons, regardless of where they were pro duced, indicates a need for the U.S. textile and apparel industry to become more competitive in the global market.

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Over one‐half of all the energy consumed within the home is used for heating. Any effective campaign to conserve energy must convince consumers of the necessity of changing patterns of behaviour related to heating and improving the energy efficiency of their homes. A telephone survey using a random sample of 445 Alabama households was conducted to determine changes made by consumers in heating practices since the 1973 oil embargo. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square, and t‐tests were used to analyse the data. It was found that the most common change in heating practices made by Alabama residents was to reduce thermostat settings. Other changes included the use of supplementary heat or improvements in building shell efficiency. Supplementary heat was used more frequently by higher income households, by Caucasians, and by households containing young family members. The improvement of building shell efficiency was found to be associated with higher income and Caucasian households.

The reduction of energy costs related to heating homes is a concern of consumers. Interior designers are challenged to help their clients solve this problem in creative and aesthetically pleasing ways. It is important for designers to know what steps clients have taken to make homes more energy efficient. Such knowledge can provide a basis for interior design solutions which may not have been considered by clients. A random survey of 445 Alabama households showed the majority of homes were heated by either natural gas or electricity. Supplementary heat was used by one‐third of the residents and one‐third had added insulation. The most common method of conserving energy was to reduce thermostat settings. It was concluded that many clients have taken basic steps toward conserving energy. To realize additional savings professional knowledge of interior designers will be required.

Escalating energy prices and widely publicized energy saving practices in the last decade have induced some older consumers to lower household temperatures during cold weather. Therefore, the effective manipulation of clothing warrants consideration in maintaining thermal body comfort. The purpose of this research was to determine the clothing preferences of elderly consumers indoors during cold weather. Four hundred and fifty questionnaires were administered at three locations. Results from the study revealed that comfort was the most significant factor in selecting warm clothing. Although the respondents had implemented the effective use of clothing to achieve thermal comfort, the use of supplemental heat, and control of thermostat setting for heat was more prevalent. Suggestions and recommendations are made for practitioners who would address the issues of clothing for thermal comfort and energy conservation.