Description
This practice-based research explores the design and production of what is termed ‘wonky clothing’. Wonky clothing has been coined to support active engagement with the creative aesthetic of designing garments that are not always perfect but wearable. For climate conscious fashion consumers and citizens this research presents practical research on embracing imperfections in garments to reduce fashion waste. To reduce the quantity of fabric waste created during the garment production process it is essential to consider alternative methods, to forge new, radical approaches that challenge traditional models. Applying purposeful tilt to pattern grainlines, offers the possibility of increasing fabric usage efficiency, saving waste. For this exploratory study a skirt with tilted (wonky) pattern grainlines was designed and manufactured, to investigate wearer perception of skirt fit following periods of wash and wear. Nine wearer trial interviews were conducted with participants over a three-month period. Areas of change in the perception of skirt fit and appearance, over the studies length, were identified. Wonky clothing may challenge traditional garment pattern-cutting conventions, however, reducing cutting waste has made it imperative that risk-takers, not afraid of making mistakes, produce new and novel radical creative solutions. The effect of waste on climate change provides an opportunity to rethink cultural approaches to contemporary garment aesthetic. This qualitative study provides an in-depth examination ofwearer perceptions, and the findings identify how participants priorities regarding skirt aesthetic, fit and appearance change over time.
| Period | 5 Sept 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | MeCCSA 2025: Identity and Belonging |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Edinburgh, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | National |