Outcomes of Implementing Zero-Waste Pattern Cutting in Fashion Design Courses

Along with increasing students’ awareness of environmental problems and social issues in the fashion industry, introducing sustainable practices into selected fashion merchandising and design courses has been explored by a number of studies. However, there are few studies which have explored ways in which sustainability practices have been implemented in product development and pattern making courses. Literature about how zero-waste pattern cutting (ZWPC) has been implemented in these types of courses is exceptionally rare. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating the ZWPC concept in two levels of existing design courses in an effort to increase students’ awareness of sustainable fashion design practices. To realize this purpose, the project based learning (PjBL) approach was employed as a framework, as previous studies suggested that PjBL is an effective tool for teaching sustainability concept to existing courses. Though this project is related to a design specific pattern cutting project, students’ awareness of sustainable fashion and lifestyle overall increased after completing the project(s). While students’ level of skills demonstrated little significant change, students’ exposure to the topic influenced their sustainability practices (or interest) which supports why projects like this should be developed and evaluated

Artifacts Improve Learning in a Fashion History Course

The purpose of this study was to identify how students perceived their interaction with historic items of dress influenced their learning in a 20th century fashion history course. Students in this study were enrolled in a 20th century fashion history course at a university in the Midwest United States. At the end of the semester, students wrote a reflection focused on how their interaction with artifacts throughout the semester influenced their learning. Researchers received informed consent from 30 of 36 students enrolled to qualitatively analyze their reflection responses for the present study. Three themes emerged from student responses about their experience with artifacts: 1) positive influence on learning, 2) deeper understanding of course content, and 3) appreciation for artifact details. Student reflections supported the assertion that artifacts improve learning. Based on student feedback, the OBL assignment will continue to be a required assignment in the course

Object-Based Learning in a World Dress Course

Object-based learning (OBL) is an active-learning teaching approach that uses artifacts as teaching tools in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an OBL assignment in teaching students about unfamiliar items of dress. Students were enrolled in a world dress general education course at a university in the Midwest United States. Researchers analyzed student responses from one OBL assignment to examine its effectiveness in teaching students about a item of dress from Uzbekistan. Students in general appreciated the use of OBL as they gained additional knowledge about the object, from gaining new insights into fabrics to interest in seeing the object\u27s details, different perspective views, and construction methods. Findings concluded that OBL was an effective tool for this course. Based on this analysis, the OBL assignment will continue to be used as a teaching tool in the course

Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Apparel Design and Production Model

Many environmental problems related to the apparel industry, such as toxicity in dyeing wastewater, could be minimized by apparel designers and manufacturers. McDonough and Braungart's 'Cradle to Cradle' model provides designers with a new way to design products and eliminate many environmental problems during the design phase of the product life cycle. However, no apparel design and production model considered the designer's role in environmental sustainability. The purpose of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate an apparel design and production conceptual model by integrating 'Cradle to Cradle' into apparel design and production models (C2CAD) to provide sustainable production guidelines for apparel designers and manufacturers. The methods used for this study included the following steps (1)assess the price of organic and non-organic cotton yarns; (2)assess the colorfastness of selected natural and environmentally friendly and non-toxic dyes; (3)develop children's sweater designs; (4) produce prototype sweaters; and (5) assess consumer acceptance of organic cotton children's clothing. The C2CAD model was developed by integrating McDonough and Braungart's "cradle to cradle" model into existing apparel design and production models (LaBat and Sokoloskwi, 1999; May-Plumlee and Little, 1998). The C2CAD model has four main steps: 1) problem definition and research, 2) sample making, 3) solution development and collaboration, and 4) production. Following the four steps and with an international collaboration similar to current apparel industry practices, "Four-season sustainability" children's knitwear was developed. Produced with an acceptable manufacturing cost, the products have good mechanical and color fastness performance. The investigation of consumers' opinions of environmentally friendly clothing was conducted, and recommendations for the apparel industry and future research were discussed.Department of Design, Housing and Merchandisin

Who Read Socially Responsible Apparel Labels

Socially responsible (SR) labeling has been developed to encourage consumers to make SR purchases based on ecological attributes of products and additional SR information listed on labels (D’Souza, 2004). Previous research studied the efficacy of SR labels and revealed that SR labels influenced consumers’ purchasing decisions (Dickson, 2001; D’Souza et al., 2007). Despite the fact that SR issues in the apparel industry are significant considerations, practicing conscientious apparel consumption can be challenging for fashion consumers when surrounded by fast fashion and the desire for the latest fashion styles

Acceptance of a Socially Responsible Label Model for Apparel Products: Application of the Technology Acceptance Model

With a growing group of environmentally and socially conscious consumers, the range of socially responsible (SR) products available in the market has likewise expanded (Marquardt, 2010); currently over 300 different SR labels are being used (Case, 2009). Because such diverse labels exist, consumers have been struggling with identifying information on the label to make an informed, SR purchase decision (D’Souza, 2004; Horne, 2009). In particular, due to the complicated nature of SR practices in apparel products, consumers feel difficulties in identifying SR apparel products and practices in the marketplace (Chen & Burns, 2006; Goswami, 2008)

Challenges and Benefits of Made in the USA Manufacturing: A Study of Small Business Owners

Investigating current companies and entrepreneurs who practice United States-based manufacturing and/or production is an area of study that can provide direction for future market growth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the manufacturers who produce their products through US production. This study targeted the owners of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and employed Brush\u27s (1992) integrative model to explore the SME owners. Challenges and benefits experienced by a small sample of producers within the Made in the USA apparel sector were identified. Through domestic production, study respondents could have close oversight and strong relationships with supply chain participants, which may result in a more responsibly produced product. Production based in the US can also support smaller production runs, a more sustainable option for newer apparel brands and those that target a smaller market

Identifying Characteristics of the Tween Fashion Consumer Groups

Twenty-one million tweens in the U.S. market account for $43 billion in spending power. Apparel represents one of the primary purchase categories tweens want to spend their money (Cotton Inc., 2012). Tweens aged 7 to 14, especially girls, are very aware of fashion, enjoy apparel shopping, and feel confident in dressing themselves (Brock, Ulrich, & Connell, 2010). While the tween market has been featured, the prevailing literature on tween consumers is limited, particularly information on tweens with regards to their fashion innovativeness and fashion opinion leadership

The Implementation of Lean Production and Environmental Sustainability Practices in the Indian Apparel Manufacturing Industry

In response to global environmental issues and stiffer business competition, the last few decades have witnessed a tremendous increase in the awareness of environmental impact and the usage of production management systems such as lean production. A focus on reducing adverse impact on the environment has promoted the use of sustainable business practices. Sustainability, which promotes harmonious coexistence of the human race and nature, allows for development without unintended negative consequences on the environment and natural resources (EPA, 2012)