Creative Design: Professional

Motherhood Meets Workwear

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Abstract

This creative design project addresses the need for work-appropriate postpartum clothing that enables discreet public breastfeeding without requiring garment removal. Rooted in the Functional, Expressive, and Aesthetic (FEA) consumer needs model, the design integrates cultural identity, nursing access, and professional aesthetics. The final artifact is a peplum top and pencil skirt made from green and black Nigerian Ankara fabric. It features invisible zippers embedded in neckline princess seams, allowing private nursing access while maintaining privacy. The sloper was drafted from scratch, then refined and simulated in VStitcher for precise seam placement and fit analysis. The zipper structure also provides subtle abdominal support, enhancing comfort and confidence. This work offers a novel contribution by uniting Nigerian traditional textile and digital garment simulation to meet the real needs of postpartum professionals. The design affirms the multifaceted identity of mothers as caregivers, workers, individuals through fashion that is both expressive and functional.

Keywords: postpartum workwear, functional clothing, Ankara design, breastfeeding access

How to Cite:

Dahunsi, B., (2025) “Motherhood Meets Workwear”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21414