This project aims to solve issues related to disability and getting dressed and seeks to empower the wearer by giving them ways to feel more independent. For years, the clothing industry has only vaguely explored the challenges that people living with disabilities (PLWD) face every day when getting dressed. While many concerns have been solved for the environmental and societal barriers in other fields of interest, the real struggles that PLWD are facing are the mundane tasks. Samples were done to determine the strongest closures for placing along high stress seamlines, while still maintaining accessibility to the body. The goal was to keep seamlines sleek and reduce bulk while still creating “normal” clothing.

My research is on garment modification for those with limited arm mobility due to unilateral, bilateral amputated upper limbs or hemiplegia. Prosthetics do not sufficiently serve the need of every person with amputations. Garment modification is necessary to make dressing easier without the use of prosthetics. Garment adaptations are as inconspicuous as possible, adding accessories like loops for dressing sticks, loose-fitting clothing and using slippery woven fabric instead of knit fabric for convenience, using a magnetic snap in place of buttons for manageability, use of larger than usual buttons that protrude higher so they can be used with a dressing stick. Pockets are modified to be larger and at the front, instead of side and back for easy reach. Shoelaces are replaced with snap closures or elastics.

The fashion industry is responsible for most of the world’s pollution due to mass textile disposal. Even though there are better alternatives, consumers still seem to choose cheap over environmentally friendly. The objective of this study is to examine US consumers’ clothing disposal behavior and explore the potential value they perceive in reusability and biodegradability in apparel products. To achieve this objective, exploratory research was conducted on consumer behavior, fast fashion, and biodegradable fibers. Then a content analysis was conducted to examine how consumers react to certain characteristics of this subject. As a result, a potential marketing strategy was brainstormed to help promote the value and use of natural fibers over synthetic in apparel.

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a series of 10 informational lectures on increasing cultural sensitivity and understanding. Knowledge gained in major and minor classes was supported with intensive research on many aspects/styles of Japanese subculture. A series was developed and presented through live stream, recorded, and posted with participants voluntarily completing a Qualtrics survey after each session. Results were analyzed to gain insights and draw conclusions on Japanese Street Fashion, specifically, and Japanese Culture, overall. Respondents indicated a greater awareness and appreciation for fashion contributions from Japan. Furthermore, this experience broadened intercultural understanding. The presentations provoked thought about cultural expression through dress, encouraging participants to be more mindful about using inspiration respectfully and avoiding misguided appropriation.

This research focused on understanding consumers and the consumers’ priorities when they are shopping for new clothing. Taking the different steps in this research process such as literature research, a content analysis of consumer reviews on YouTube videos, and an online survey that was created, it is found that consumers are not well educated on the usage of water in the fashion industry and that companies need to become more transparent about this topic. Results being that consumers would be willing to shop more sustainable brands if they were aware of the harm the fashion industry has on the environment. Even if the cost of each garment were higher consumers would shop these brands knowing they are helping the environment.

This research focuses on understanding consumer preferences towards natural and synthetic fibers and the effect the fibers have on the purchase decision-making process. Additionally, it does a dive into Gen-Z and the generation's fiber preference. After exploratory research from sources such as Cotton Works and Sourcing
Journal, there was a content analysis done of reviews of a cotton workout shirt and comments under two YouTube videos about natural and synthetic fibers. Additionally, an online survey taken by those in Gen-Z was administered. The content analysis showed that consumers don’t value synthetic fibers over natural ones. The
survey was not as conclusive but showed that Gen- Z doesn’t value sustainability and fiber preference as much as the initial research showed and isn’t as price-conscious as was thought.

Today, the apparel industry is one of the world’s most polluting industries with unsustainable practices continuing post-purchase. With the rise of fast fashion, young consumers are not being taught proper consumption and disposal habits despite their behaviors having huge impacts on the environment. As the lifecycle of clothing gets shorter, global textile waste and ecosystem pollution increase. Our main objective is to study consumers’ disposal habits and examine the value they perceive in more eco-friendly options, such as reusability and biodegradability of apparel products. In order to meet this objective, we conducted in-depth industry research and a content analysis of consumer behavior. Overall, this research will help aid in creating strategies that transform the current linear fashion model into a more circular, environmentally cautious industry.

This research revolves around the idea of athletic wear. Athletic wear is currently dominated by the synthetic fiber world, which is slowly deteriorating our oceans and environment. This project explores the idea of incorporating cotton into our athletic apparel to better catalyze the theme of sustainability in the fashion industry and to overall reduce the carbon footprint that the athleisure market currently has. I have assessed how consumers feel about athleisure products that are cotton-based or 100% cotton via a content analysis method. Research was conducted based on various athletic apparel brands’ websites, and the comments that consumers left on cotton-based products. A survey was also executed to explore what consumers generally look for out of their athletic apparel, to see if the two correlate. The data collected was then analyzed to answer the research question of “What are consumers’ main benefits and drawbacks with cotton-based athletic apparel?” As results showed, the top qualities that consumers found in cotton-based athletic apparel are the same qualities that consumers look for in their athletic apparel. Overall, this research proves that cotton is an excellent addition to athleticwear and would give a more sustainable approach to the increasingly popular athleisure industry, without compromising the attributes that are most important to consumers.

The aim of this research is to study the significance of Power Dressing in a modern democracy by exploring the dynamics of clothing, concerning the power it portrays for women holding prominent positions in public office. This study discusses a selection of iconic women politicians from different countries and their way of Power Dressing. Built on a foundation of scholarly articles, newspapers, and current events, this research accomplishes its motive through data analysis from a survey developed by the researchers. This study provides a platform for understanding the association between fashion and politics, the concept of Power Dressing, and its significance in a modern democracy, especially for women. With changing dynamics of society, this study forms aid in understanding perceptions of stakeholders in contemporary events.

The objective of this research was to propose a solution to the lack of diversity in the beauty industry through the creation of a new line and marketing campaign. The researcher identified a gap in the market after researching the needs of the Black consumer in regards to marketing, shopping preferences, and product development. This research aligned with a shift in consumer needs following social unrest in 2020. Companies were put in the spotlight to speak out against social justice reform and struggled to connect authentically with consumers. As a result of the identified gap, the researcher created a skincare line and marketing strategy developed specifically for Black consumers that catered to their skincare needs in hopes to promote constructive change within the beauty industry.