The elements of fashion design in attaining pregnant women's clothing functional requirements in the light of their preferences

Abstract

Pregnancy is one of the most challenging and changing physical and psychological stages of women's life. These changes have an impact on the psychological state and physical features, which can cause anxiety and low self-esteem with regard to the mental image seen by others. These effects increase in pregnancy, depending on the nature of the tasks of women in terms of being working or not, and their social nature and participation in different events. According to the analysis of the results of previous studies related to the proposal solutions to functional clothes for pregnant women, it is clear that: -Many studies have confirmed the occurrence of physical and psychological changes in pregnant women and their effect on their preference for clothing, (Barasa, 2016; Georgeta, Alexandra & Sabina, 2015; EL-Sabagh, Wafaa, 2008; E- Faramawey, Mona, 2006; Thabet, Randah, 2011; Bekhiet, Aleaa, 2013). These studies, however, did not indicate how the elements of design could be used to minimize the negative impact of these changes. Therefore, there was a need for clear criteria for designs and patterns of clothing commensurate with those changes. -Although some studies have confirmed the importance of providing functional clothing for pregnant women (Annette, 2001; Anand, 2012; Kilic, Tama & Ondogan, 2014; Longhurst, 2005; Srivasuva & Khatri, 2011), they were interested only in investigating the importance of achieving the functional requirements of pregnant women without indicating how to accomplish those requirements through the elements of clothes design. - Several studies have confirmed the importance of design elements for the clothing of pregnant women (Rodriguez, Anisimova, Ryan & Troynikov, 2017; Bukhari, Hanan & Al-Sarhan, 2010; Bukhari, Asmaa, 2009; Khafaji, Salia, 2011); they did not indicate how elements design leading to a garment product that meets the functional requirements of pregnant women.