Design and Product Development

Sports Bras for Young Arthritic Women: Required Features and Functions

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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore and develop design requirements for functional sports bras for young arthritic women. Using the Lamb and Kallal (1992) functional, expressive, and aesthetic (FEA) model, clothing attributes were collected from Gen Z and Millennial women with arthritis. In Stage 1, market research of currently existing bras was collected and analyzed to determine current features, design specifics, aesthetics, and functions. A quantitative survey and a qualitative virtual focus group interview were conducted among U.S. based Gen Z and Millennial women with arthritis that affects the upper body. In Stage 2, the satisfactions, dissatisfactions, physical postures, needs, and demographic data were analyzed using the FEA model to determine user needs. In Stage 3, design specifics, features, and strategies for sports bras for young arthritic women were proposed. The proposed designs of sports bras would meet the user requirements and be inclusive to young women with arthritis.

How to Cite:

, L. M. & Hwang, C., (2022) “Sports Bras for Young Arthritic Women: Required Features and Functions”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13331