Functional Clothing

In functional clothing design I focus on accessibility and user experience.

Examples of my work underneath.

Transformer jacket

I designed a jacket that transforms into a backpack. With my experimental design I tried to find a solution  to traveling in changing environments and climates.

Idea

I started design process with my own observations regarding winter outdoor clothing. I focused on the temperature variation and the resulting discomfort factors.
Through this, I set out to design a jacket that can be modified according to temperature. The jacket has two layers that are detachable from each other.

Technical aspects

This jacket has hidden straps at the back and zippers attached to armscye that transforms it into a backpack.

Specifications

With every design I chart material properties and create instructions for manufacturing

Universal Jeans

My idea for this project was to unite fashion and accessibility. In my design I focused on utilising universal design/design-for-all principles.

Behind the idea

These jeans are designed with range of human abilities in mind. Jeans have five button panels, one in the front, two on the sides near the waist and two on the pant legs. This makes dressing and undressing easier. Jeans also include higher and flexible waist at the back which takes into consideration different body types and mobility. With braille at the front the colour of the jeans is perceivable through touch.

3D design

I tested this design with CLO 3D program. I drew pattern pieces with the program and fitted the garment on 3D avatar with computer simulation.

Cross-sectional drawings

I illustrated structures of seamlines for manufacturing.

Gymnastic bodice

Competitive gymnastics have strict rules for gymnastic suits. This results in unsustainable habits of purchasing new leotards for different competitions. Competition programme defines if worn suits are long sleeved or short sleeved. I tried to solve this problem by designing a long sleeved bodice that transforms short sleeved suit to a long sleeved one. With this I wanted to encourage a longer life cycle of gymnastic suits.

Design process

In this project I collaborated with two fellow university students and we created a questionnaire for finnish gymnastics. We asked for opinions on sustainability of gymnastic suits and how to improve them. After analysing the results, each of us created own objective how to improve gymnastic suits with focus on sustainability.

With sports it is important to understand the movements of the body. I started with watching how gymnastics move and setting stress points for clothing.

 

Prototyping

I drew pattern pieces and created a prototype for a test situation. In my prototype I used breathable viscose-elastin material. Gymnastic wore this design under short sleeved gymnastic suit while practising a performance. After the test situation I gathered feedback.

Technical specifications

I produced tech-packs with detailed information on materials, measurements, stiches etc.

Product

Bodice photographed on a model.