ABSTRACT This study investigated the potential of inclusively designed adaptive apparel discovered within a historic costume and textile collection to inspire contemporary inclusive and adaptive apparel design in a product development course. This study employed object-based learning as the theoretical framework, focusing on the tangible examination and analysis of historical garments as educational tools. A descriptive analysis qualitative methodology was used to identify the key inclusive adaptive apparel design features that could potentially inform inclusively designed adaptive apparel in the present day. By examining a diverse range of historical garments, this study aimed to uncover design elements that transcend time and cultural contexts, providing valuable insights for contemporary product development students seeking to create inclusively designed adaptive apparel collections. The findings from this study suggest that historic costume and textile collections are a compatible and significant source for integrating inclusive design features into the apparel design classroom.
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