Creative Design: Professional

Jacket for Upper Body Immobility Using a Wrapping Process

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Abstract

Lack of upper body mobility is experienced by many people and can be a temporary or permanent state. People who cannot lift or turn their torso, shoulders and arms have a range of difficulties in donning, doffing and securing clothing. An historical patent inspired my work and informed my design process. The purpose of this creative work was to develop a garment for someone who lacks mobility in their upper body, by removing the necessity of lifting the arms to put them into traditional sleeves. Instead, the garment wraps around the person. The process was guided by the principles of universal design. The contribution to the field is to show that normative processes for garment pattern and construction development can be challenged to provide improved functionality and maintain aesthetic quality. In addition, it shows that historical work can teach and lead us to new developments for the good of society.

Keywords: Jacket; Immobility; Universal Design; Patent

How to Cite:

Annett-Hitchcock, K., (2020) “Jacket for Upper Body Immobility Using a Wrapping Process”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 77(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.12087