Design and Product Development

Style Meets Function: The Inclusive Winter Jacket

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Abstract

Today, far fewer North Americans risk death from strokes, but many of the affected live with ongoing difficulties afterwards. They are faced with a range of hurdles to successful reintegration into society, including hemiparesis which is the partial paralysis of one side of the body. In spite of rehabilitation, some stroke survivors with hemiparesis suffer from persistent and chronic limitations in accomplishing otherwise simple everyday tasks. These simple tasks include pulling up a zipper, or buttoning a shirt. Studies have found that 40% of persons with physical disabilities have not been satisfied with the style and/or fit of available clothing. The goal of this research project is to produce fashionable, adaptive winter jacket which is suited to the needs of persons with hemiparesis but also inclusive of all women. 

Keywords: Stroke, Adaptive, Stylish

How to Cite:

Duncan, H. & Shahani, M., (2019) “Style Meets Function: The Inclusive Winter Jacket”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 76(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8338