Design and Product Development

Handwashing Sequins: A Comparison of the Inclusion of Design Characteristics Impacting Ease of Care and Durability in Girls’ and Boys’ Lower-Body Garments

Authors: Addie K Martindale (Georgia Southern University) , Ellen Carol McKinney (Iowa State University) , Mackenzie Lynn Miller (University of Missouri)

Abstract

Ease of care and durability are essential when designing children’s clothing, as the clothing must withstand harsh daily treatment and frequent laundering. Analysis of online product descriptions of 1069 (584 girls; 485 boys) lower body garments overall found that the garments did not reflect the prescribed ease of care and durability design characteristics needed to accommodate children's active lives. Additionally, girls’ garments had more negative ease of care and durability characteristics than boys’ garments, with most girls’ garments having at least one characteristic that impacted durability or ease of care.

Keywords: Childrenswear, Durability, Care, gender

How to Cite: Martindale, A. K. , McKinney, E. C. & Miller, M. L. (2022) “Handwashing Sequins: A Comparison of the Inclusion of Design Characteristics Impacting Ease of Care and Durability in Girls’ and Boys’ Lower-Body Garments”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings. 79(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.16006