Design functions in transformable garments for sustainability

Abstract

This study was designed as a bottom-up approach to understanding what kind of changeable functions people desire in transformable garments by analysing a wardrobe database, participants' perceptions of garment varieties, and participants' values related to transformable garments (specifically tops, the wardrobe garment with the most observed design variability). The wardrobe database was analysed using data quantification and descriptive analysis. Style-conscious professional women, ages 20-40, were interviewed; their perceptions and values related to design variability in tops was the focus. Versatility was the most important reason for preferring specific changeable design functions. Among candidates for changeable design functions, the most preferred functions were transforming colours or patterns and sleeve lengths. Participants had three expectations for transformable garments: functional (ease of matching, ease of layering, comfort, usability, ease of care, and durability), hedonic (fun and be able to experiment with various styles), and social (context aptness and modesty).

Convert one outfit to more looks: factors influencing young female college consumers’ intention to purchase transformable apparel

“…The need for novelty and newness has driven consumers to purchase new apparel products frequently and to dispose of a diverse amount of garments that are underutilized. Approximately, only about 38% of young consumers' wardrobes are regularly worn (Koo et al 2014). More specifically, fast fashion speeds up consumer's acquisition and makes it possible for consumers to obtain more styles with lower quality and at lower cost (Cao et al 2014), which, in turn, increases landfill waste.…”

“…Consumers' demands have been diversifying, which makes it harder to predict due to rapidly changing trends and fashion tastes (Kang and Park-Poaps 2010). Being transformable allows the aesthetics and functionality of the items to be converted into multiple styles and functions to meet consumers' need for novelty and versatility (Koo et al 2014;Rahman and Gong 2016). This trend is expected to increase the use intensity, extend the lifespan of apparel products, and reduce disposal (Koo et al 2014), which may be a potential solution to the problem of excessive apparel consumption faced by the fashion industry today.…”

“…Being transformable allows the aesthetics and functionality of the items to be converted into multiple styles and functions to meet consumers' need for novelty and versatility (Koo et al 2014;Rahman and Gong 2016). This trend is expected to increase the use intensity, extend the lifespan of apparel products, and reduce disposal (Koo et al 2014), which may be a potential solution to the problem of excessive apparel consumption faced by the fashion industry today. In addition, transformable apparel can be alternative sources of revenue for the fashion industry and has been suggested as a good concept for the young consumer market (Rahman and Gong 2016).…”

“…Cao et al (2014) carried out two focus groups to evaluate consumers' acceptance of two different adaptable design prototypes to determine consumers' preferences for design details of transformable apparel. Besides, Koo et al (2014) have conducted a study with a mixed research method to explore the types of changeable functions that people desire in transformable T-shirts. These researchers found similar impressions of and preferences for transformable apparel.…”

Sustainable practices and transformable fashion design – Chinese professional and consumer perspectives

“…According to a recent study conducted by Koo, Dunne, and Bye (2014), many individuals use 6-38% of their wardrobe on a regular basis. In the same vein, McGrath (2012) reported that her respondents use about 50% of their wardrobe.…”