Maternity Wear Research Articles

Requirements of designing maternity clothes as functional clothes

Requirements of designing maternity clothes as functional clothes

CLO 3D Customized Virtual Avatar Modeling and Prototype Development -Designing Size-adjustable Maternity Wear-

CLO 3D Customized Virtual Avatar Modeling and Prototype Development -Designing Size-adjustable Maternity Wear-

Research on the preferences of maternity clothing shoppers

The article presents the results of a marketing study conducted to determine the preferences of buyers of clothes for expectant mothers. According to the survey results, we see the need to increase the range of comfortable, beautiful and mobile clothes for pregnant women. With the increase in the number of children, the need for clothes for women expecting a child increases every year. Naturally, expectant young mothers have a question about How to choose the right clothes during pregnancy. Women always want and strive to look stylish, appropriate and beautiful. During pregnancy, it is sometimes difficult to choose the right and beautiful clothes. So, pregnancy is a time when it is necessary to monitor the state of health for the benefit of the unborn child. Of course, during this period it is very difficult to choose clothes that will look stylish and will not harm the child's health. Maternity clothes should take into account the changed state of the body, mood, as at this time the appearance changes. To do this, in this research paper, we conducted a survey among pregnant women about which style and silhouette of clothes would be more comfortable. The results presented in our work help in the design and modeling of pregnant women's clothing.

Utilization of Anthropometric Data to Generate Size Charts for Kenyan Pregnant Women

This study addresses the research gap in utilizing anthropometric data to develop size charts for Kenyan maternity wear, considering the diverse cultural, regional, and ethnic factors influencing pregnant women’s body changes. Despite the global emphasis on inclusive fashion, the literature lacks comprehensive research on anthropometric data for Kenyan pregnant women. The study aims to bridge this gap by collecting data and creating trimester-specific size charts, addressing the unique needs of the diverse Kenyan population. Utilizing a longitudinal research design in Nairobi County, the study sampled 600 pregnant women from public health facilities across eight constituencies. Anthropometric measurements were collected, revealing significant weight and girth variations across the population. The study developed trimester-specific size charts, emphasizing the importance of key dimensions like bust, waist, hip, and the girth of the biggest protrusion. Fitting trials confirmed the charts’ effectiveness, yielding satisfactory fit ratings across different body sizes. These findings contribute to the global discourse on anthropometric data’s importance in shaping sizing standards, offering a model for addressing similar gaps in diverse populations. The study practically applies by creating reliable size charts for Kenyan pregnant women, ensuring well-fitting maternity wear aligned with evolving fashion trends and the unique anthropometric characteristics of the population.

A Study on the Impact of Environmental Awareness on Sustainable Consumption Behavior in Maternity Wear

With the relaxation of China’s birth policies and the dual independence gained by Chinese women in both mental and economic aspects, maternity wear, as an essential item for pregnant women, has an enormous design space and a growing consumer market, attracting increasing attention from all quarters [1]. However, due to the continuous changes in pregnant womens body shapes and the fact that most women need to continue working and socializing during the early and middle stages of pregnancy [2], maternity wear has a short wearing cycle and rapid turnover [3] leading to the current unsustainable consumption of maternity wear. This study aims to explore the impact of environmental awareness on the sustainable consumption behavior of maternity wear. Specifically, the study objective is to use Grounded Theory to analyze sustainability issues within maternity wear consumption and identify the factors and stages influencing sustainable consumption behavior through online searches for relevant reports and comments. We address 2 research questions. RQ1: How to improve the sustainability of maternity wear to reduce unsustainable consumption? RQ2: How does environmental awareness influence sustainable consumption behavior in maternity wear? This article, based on Grounded Theory, to ensure the timeliness of comments and reports, conducted sample data collection from 2019 to 2022. We conducted searches using keywords such as “sustainable maternity wear,” “ecofriendly maternity wear,” “sustainable fashion,” “maternity wear consumption,” and “postpartum clothing consumption.” We obtained a total of 1086 relevant articles and materials. After careful screening, we narrowed down our searches and organized 45 feasible textual materials for our study. Through online searches for relevant reports and comments regarding sustainable consumption of maternity wear, it identified consciousness-related influencing factors and three stages of sustainable maternity wear consumption behavior. Furthermore, it proposed reference recommendations for promoting sustainable consumption of maternity wear through management practices.
 Keywords: environmental awareness, maternity wear, sustainability, consumer behavior, grounded theory

Geometric developments in functional clothing

This study presents a geometric development of functional clothing (for pregnant women). In the beginning, we discuss the main changes women's bodies undergo during pregnancy and the requirements of an adequate wardrobe. Using specific design tools (Gemini CAD – a Lectra Company), we develop a geometric network for designing made-tomeasure maternity clothes (case study – blouse). From this network, three specific blocks have been developed in accordance with the body changes. The estimated increments of the second and third pregnancy trimesters have been expressed as correspondent angles and used to design the adequate shape of the blouse patterns (front and back). We have also evaluated the blouse patterns when dressed on the corresponding avatars for each trimester via 3D simulations.

Exploring the Role of Environmental Awareness in Managing Sustainable Consumption Behaviors for Maternity Clothing

As China relaxes its birth policies and Chinese women gain greater mental and economic independence, the market for maternity clothing has expanded significantly. This essential item for pregnant women now features a vast design space and a growing consumer market, drawing widespread attention. However, due to the ongoing changes in pregnant women’s body shapes and the requirement for many to keep working and socializing during early and mid-pregnancy, maternity clothing has a brief usage period and a quick turnover, contributing to unsustainable consumption habits. This research aims to explore the effect of environmental awareness on sustainable consumption behavior in maternity clothing. Using Grounded Theory, the study investigates sustainability issues in maternity clothing consumption, identifying the factors and stages that influence sustainable consumption behavior. It focuses on two main questions: research question 1: How can the sustainability of maternity clothing be enhanced to minimize unsustainable consumption? research question 2: What impact does environmental awareness have on sustainable consumption behavior in maternity clothing? Maternity clothing represents a unique segment in the fashion industry due to its short-term usage and specific functional requirements. Despite its temporary use, maternity clothing consumption can significantly contribute to environmental degradation due to unsustainable production practices, use of non-eco-friendly materials, and disposal issues. Current literature has extensively covered sustainability in general fashion but has relatively overlooked the specific context of maternity clothing. Addressing research question 1 helps fill this gap by focusing on targeted strategies to enhance the sustainability of maternity clothing, thereby reducing its environmental impact. Environmental awareness is a critical driver of sustainable consumption behavior. However, the extent to which this awareness translates into actual purchasing decisions, especially in niche markets like maternity clothing, remains under-explored. Understanding this relationship can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and help fashion brands design more effective sustainability initiatives. By examining research question2, the study aims to bridge the gap in literature regarding the specific impact of environmental awareness on consumption behaviors within the maternity clothing segment. This can inform strategies for promoting eco-friendly practices and increasing consumer engagement in sustainable fashion. To ensure the comments and reports were relevant, data collection was carried out from 2019 to 2023 using keywords such as “sustainable maternity clothing,” “eco-friendly maternity clothing,” “sustainable fashion,” “maternity clothing consumption,” and “postpartum clothing consumption.” A total of 1,086 relevant papers and other materials were obtained, Out of these ,45 viable texts were chosen for an in -depth analysis. The study identified factors related to environmental consciousness and three stages of sustainable maternity clothing consumption behavior. Additionally, it offers recommendations for encouraging sustainable consumption of maternity clothing through effective management practices.

The Influence of Maternity Wear Brand Image Innovation Elements on Consumer Behavior: A Grounded Theory Study

This grounded theory study investigates the influence of maternity wear brand image innovation elements on consumer behavior, addressing two main research questions: (1) How to innovate the brand image of maternity wear? and (2) What is the relationship between brand image innovation and consumer behavior in maternity wear? Maternity wear brands play a critical role in meeting the diverse needs of expectant mothers, yet in China, they often lack distinct brand identities and fail to cater to the varied preferences of pregnant women. Through a comprehensive research design, including literature review, grounded theory analysis, and empirical testing via questionnaire surveys, this study identifies six dimensions of brand image innovation in maternity wear: Product, Identity, Corporate, Marketing, Service, and Store image innovation, along with 21 specific indicators such as style and fabric innovation. The findings reveal a significant impact of each dimension of brand image innovation on consumer behavior. Theoretical and managerial implications highlight the study’s contribution in filling a research gap, providing a new framework for brand image research in maternity wear, and offering targeted recommendations for brand innovation efforts. This research expands understanding of the intricate relationship between consumer behavior and brand image, providing theoretical guidance for maternity wear companies to enhance brand appeal, meet diverse consumer needs, and ultimately improve sales and loyalty.

RESEARCH ON DESIGN ELEMENTS OF MATERNITY WEAR BASED ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS OF PREGNANT WOMEN: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Pregnancy is a special stage in a woman's life, during which significant changes occur in her physical, physiological, psychological, and emotional aspects. The purpose of this study is to summarize the application of clothing design elements in maternity wear design based on the psychological and physiological needs of pregnant women, to meet their needs for exterior silhouette, internal structure, color, and fabric. The research findings will provide valuable information for maternity wear designers and researchers, and promote further development and innovation in the field of maternity wear design.

Fluids transmission and thermal durability analysis of Miura-ori auxetic relief knits; the next generation wearable materials

Knitted materials with superior thermal comfort attributes and cheap production costs are primarily utilized in leisurewear. Auxetic materials having biaxial stretch capabilities increase the propensity of knitted auxetic fabrics for size-changing clothing applications, such as maternity wear and growing kids' apparel, consequently supporting the sustainable development goal of responsible material consumption. Knitted auxetic fabrics based on Miura-ori fold geometries have been engineered with typically targeted clothing fibrous assemblies/yarns (polyester, cotton, and acrylic) and assorting different knitting parameters. Diagonal relief and hybrid square relief patterns with variable structural knitted cell (SKC) size proved to be a solution towards size and shape-changing clothing materials. Fluid transmission, heat retention, and durability evaluations were undertaken to determine the efficacy towards wearability of such auxetic materials. Varying structural porosities and the number of folds per unit area created properties discrepancy, governing different Poisson’s ratios and thermal attributes. Engineered foldable geometries exhibited about 10% to 40% increase in fluids transmissions than control plain rib fabrics. Quadratic thermal resistance enhancements of above 100% were noticed for auxetic fabrics and increasing SKC size enhanced thermal insulation. Influence of studied input variables was found statistically significant; fluid transmission had a p-value<0.05 for all material, SKC, and structure factors; heat retention was also significantly affected by material and SKC variation. The SKC size expansion promoted auxeticity up to optimum size of 9×9. Corresponding associations estimation using bubble plot analysis revealed positive correlations between fluid transmissions and durability attributes; however, an increase in fluid transmission compromised the heat retention of materials.

Pregnancy time : dress for teachers

A study conducted by the ministry of education and fashion design &amp; product development degree course, Department of Textile &amp; Clothing Technology of Moratuwa University, estimates that out of the approximately 236,000 teachers within the school system, 172,000 are female teachers. Among them approximately 10,000 female teachers request maternity leave annually. Even during their pregnancies, female teachers continue to wear the saree in order to maintain the dignity and respect of the profession. Considering the physical difficulties that pregnant women face towards the last few months of pregnancy, the Ministry of Education has introduced a collection of maternity wear for the teachers. The National project was carried out with the consultation of a panel appointed by the Ministry of Education that included the secretary of Education, Directors of the education Ministry, Gynecologists, Consultant Gamily Medicine officer of the ministry of Education, Principles of National Schools of Colombo, the Provincial Educational Directors and two senior academics of Fashion Design &amp; Product Development Degree Course at the Department of Textile and Clothing technology, University of Moratuwa. The research, concept development, and product development of the maternity wear collection were carried out by Dr. Virajini Medagedara Karunaratne and Dr. Gayathri Ranathunga.

Scalable Flexible Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Textiles Based on MWCNTs and PEDOT:PSS

With the rise of electromagnetic radiation-based technologies, considerable attention has been drawn to developing and implementing innovative electromagnetic shielding materials. Carbon nanomaterials and conductive polymers have been appealing to both academia and industry as promising alternatives for the traditionally used metallic materials, owing to their lightness, flexibility, easy processability and resistance to corrosion, which are of special importance for textile applications. In this work, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) have been applied to cotton textile substrates by straightforward scalable dyeing and coating processes, respectively. These processes led to uniform and homogeneous coatings with distinct properties: the fabric coated with MWCNT presented higher thickness and lower loading of incorporated material than the textile coated with PEDOT:PSS (thickness: 995 μm vs. 208 μm; material loading: 9.4 wt.% vs. 70.7 wt.%). The electromagnetic shielding properties were outlined for each shielding textile in the frequency range of 5.85–18 GHz: an average shielding effectiveness of ~35.6 dB was obtained for MWCNT@tex, while PEDOT:PSS@tex reached ~38.3 dB. Thus, PEDOT:PSS provided enhanced radiation shielding with lower coating thickness, while the MWCNTs led to improved attenuation with less material usage. Shielding effectiveness values above 30 dB were obtained for both electromagnetic interference shielding textiles, which corresponds to an excellent classification for general use applications, such as casual clothing and maternity wear.

Navigating maternity fashion: Reflections of US consumer attitudes during pregnancy

The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of fast fashion in maternity apparel and to examine the wardrobe endeavours of women trying to dress fashionably during pregnancy. Maternity clothing trends have evolved to mirror fast fashion as a result of recent focus on pregnant celebrities in popular culture who are inspiring women to stylishly dress their baby bump. Conclusions were drawn from an online survey from 240 respondents which asked women to reflect on experiences with maternity apparel. Findings indicate that while consumers favoured wearing dresses, leggings, longer lengths and yoga pants, there was a strong desire for comfortable clothing options that did not look like maternity wear and could still be worn in a variety of settings including post-partum. These results suggest that pregnant women often navigate a compromise between a need for comfort and aspirations of style.

Maternity swimwear: A tool of female agency

Maternity swimwear is one of the least researched garment types despite its ability to create a unique affective experience for women during gestation. It contains as well as exposes and liberates the changing female form during pregnancy. The study explores the history of this ‘second skin’ and illuminates how it relates to sociocultural ideals and human agency. It also investigates the changing perceptions of pregnancy and how maternity wear evolved into maternity fashion. It briefly reviews American women’s attitudes towards sports, primarily swimming, and discusses some of the controversies surrounding the most famous swimwear type, the bikini, before refocusing on maternity swimwear. The authors examine the role of maternity swimwear in helping the historically secluded private female body transition into a visible and public body and postulate the harmony created between swimsuit, mother and child, particularly whilst submerged in water. They suggest that the bathing suit enables women to take charge of their pregnant bodies and new identities and conclude that maternity swimwear is a significant tool of female agency.

Essential Criteria for Designing Healthy Maternity Wear: A Narrative Review.

During pregnancy, because of unique changes in the body, pregnant women need access to clothes that meet their biological needs and inspire a positive attitude toward the body. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the essential criteria for healthy designing maternity clothing. The present study was conducted as a narrative review. Searches were performed in MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, ERIC, and ProQuest databases for the documents written between 2000 and 2021 regardless of the research methodology and the employed tools. The results of this study were presented in three areas including women's expectations of maternity dress design, psycho-social effects of maternity wear, and maternal clothing designs. The results of this study expand the knowledge of healthy maternity wear designers and, consequently, show that maternity clothing should hold three characteristics, adaptability, comfort, and stylishness, and meanwhile minimize the protrusion of enlarged areas of the body.

The future of maternity wear: Generation Z's expectations of dressing for pregnancy

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate Generation Z's physical expectations of being pregnant and their outlook for maternity wear shopping.Design/methodology/approachFemales in this cohort (n = 207) participated in an online survey that included questions about perceptions of pregnancy, physical self-concept and forecasted shopping behaviors.FindingsResults indicated that this group is concerned with physical changes of pregnancy and expect to treat each area of the body in a different way. Women's expected physical concerns of pregnancy predict how much they anticipate accentuating their pregnant body. Gen Z anticipates wearing loose maternity garments and they envision a thoughtful, in-store shopping experience for styles that are equally fashionable and comfortable, such as dresses.Research limitations/implicationsThis study should be extended to future generational cohorts like Generation Alpha, along with Gen Z outside of the United States and women in the United States who are non-white. Further studies should take a longitudinal approach to gauge changes in this cohort's expectations as they progress through pregnancy.Practical implicationsThis paper provides maternity wear retail brands and designers a foundation for product development and marketing geared toward this large cohort.Originality/valueThe study is the first to inquire about Gen Z's outlook on pregnancy, specifically their envisioned changes to each body area and the role of maternity garments to fulfill needs and concerns.

Clothing of righteousness: exploring tensions of halal maternity wear on online apparel websites

PurposeThis paper aims to explore marketing practices related to online halal maternity wear by examining the characteristics of halal maternity wear promoted to Muslim women (Muslimah) and how these differ between sponsoring websites.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative content analysis of 24 websites promoting halal maternity wear to pregnant customers was undertaken.FindingsSeveral issues related to the availability and promotion of halal maternity wear online, particularly when addressing the needs of Western Muslim women, were found. Successful marketing solutions to the problems of halal maternity wear require solving a number of tensions arising at the intersections of the following distinctions: mahram versus non-mahram settings, crude versus stylish fashion and the normative perceptions of immodesty versus modesty.Practical implicationsCareful research and attention need to be taken before promoting and targeting products as appropriate for Muslimah maternity wear. Those brands that display the requisite skills and knowledge necessary to determine whether a product meets the needs of modesty, fashionability and local climate/weather conditions in their maternity lines have much to gain from the Muslimah maternity market.Social implicationsThe availability of maternity wear that makes Muslimah feel comfortable and satisfied with their appearance will contribute to a positive pregnancy body image. Positive pregnancy body image is associated with positive pre and postnatal infant attachment by the mother, which in turn leads to beneficial outcomes for mother and baby.Originality/valueResearch to date has focused on Islamic fashion in general, with a dearth of research on Islamic maternity wear. This paper addresses the gap by focusing on maternity wear and associated marketing practices, from the Islamic point of view.

Analysis of Maternity Wear Pattern Composition and Commercial Wear Size

Analysis of Maternity Wear Pattern Composition and Commercial Wear Size

Design workflow for virtual design of clothing for pregnant women

The purpose of this study is to investigate pregnant women’s maternity dress in relation to their body image at each stage of pregnancy. Firstly, in order to create pregnant body Blender software is used. Then Lectra ModarisV8R2 allows to create a pattern. Finally, Lectra 3D Fit simulate and visualize projects. The paper explains, how to gain pregnant body in Blender and how to prepare a project for visualization in Lectra. The result is pregnancy dress project in 4 sizes and tailored to each stage of pregnancy.

Non-binary reproduction: Stories of conception, pregnancy, and birth

Background: Many non-binary individuals AFAB (assigned female at birth) seek gestational parenthood. However, the limited available literature is often focused on trans men and overlooks the conception, pregnancy, and birth experiences of non-binary parents. Aims: The study aimed to capture the unique reproduction narratives of non-binary people AFAB. Methods: Five non-binary individuals volunteered to participate in this study. Data were collected using largely unstructured, in-depth, tape-recorded interviews. Thematic analysis of the verbatim transcripts and tape recordings yielded a chronological, cohesive narrative for each participant. Four participants reviewed their narrative and confirmed that their story was accurately represented. The individual narratives were then woven into one collective narrative, and common themes across the participants’ stories were identified. Results: Before conception, most participants considered how to balance their medical and social transitions with their reproductive goals. Conception was relatively easy and straightforward for the four participants who used their partner’s sperm. The gendered nature of, and language surrounding, pregnancy greatly impacted participant’s reproductive experiences, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness, difficulties finding maternity clothes and gender dysphoria. Participants desired gender-affirming care and reported mostly positive experiences with their healthcare providers. Their gender identity influenced their experiences of parenthood, as well as the decisions they made regarding the disclosure of their gender identity to others, their gender presentation, chestfeeding, and parental designations. Discussion: The cisnormative and heteronormative scripts that surround pregnancy shaped the reproductive narratives of those who participated in this research. The findings reinforce the importance of inclusive, gender-affirming healthcare and social support services.