Researcher(s)
- Brian Aguilera-Diaz, , University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Brian Aguilera-Diaz, Fashion Apparel, Andrea Gorea
Abstract
Within the apparel industry, zero-waste solutions to reduce traditional cut-and-sew methods have been increasingly sought after. Traditional garment production can generate significant textile waste through cutting and assembly, consume electrical energy through machinery, and create continued demand for raw materials. SHIMA SEIKI’s discovery of WHOLEGARMENT® technology offers a potential solution through a method of knitting an entire garment directly on a knitwear machine, removing the seams and cutting typically required in producing traditional knitted garments. This research explores how discarded and leftover WHOLEGARMENT® templates can be repurposed through a modular approach to garment creation. Working with Dr. Adriana Gorea, I collected discarded WHOLEGARMENT® templates and experimented with their transformation into a functional garment. Using multiple glove-shaped knitted pieces, I draped and arranged the components on a dress form to develop a silhouette inspired by medieval dresses. The pieces were connected using hand-sewn buttons and attachments, allowing the knitted components to be manipulated into a cohesive garment without additional cutting of new fabric. Coffee beans were also explored as a natural dye to create brown tones throughout sections of the skirt and garment. The resulting garment demonstrates the potential to utilize discarded WHOLEGARMENT® pieces while minimizing additional material waste. This modular design process provides an alternative approach to garment construction that combines upcycling, experimental draping, and natural dyeing. The research demonstrates how WHOLEGARMENT® technology can contribute to sustainable apparel practices while creating opportunities for innovative and trend-conscious garment design.