Homemakers Appraise Cotton, Wool, and Other Fibers in Household Furnishings

Excerpts from the report: In recent years, marked changes have taken place in the fibers available to the consumer in the household textile market. Between 1950 and 1955, cotton poundage used in household items, which accounted for 72 percent of all fibers in 1950, showed relatively little change; poundage of manmade fibers increased by about 50 percent during this period, from 8.5 percent of the total in 1950 to about 18 percent in 1955. Particular interest, therefore, has centered on the extent of substitution for cotton by manmade fibers in the household textile field, as well as acceptance and experience in use of the different fibers by the consumer. The findings reported are based on the responses of 2,709 homemakers and, for the most part, apply only to those items used within the year preceding the survey. Interviews were conducted during June and July 1957. The broad objectives of the study included: 1. Ascertaining the position of cotton, wool, and competitive fibers in each of the above end uses. 2. Examining how and to what extent consumers are reacting to and accepting fibers and fiber blends in each of these household furnishings. 3. Determining consumers' opinions and attitudes toward the fibers used in each item.