Loop By Loop: Proposing a standardised modular garment system

<p><strong>The environmental impacts from the fashion industry continue to increase through textile waste, over consumption and low-quality materials that reduce the lifetime of a garment. These issues are heightened by an accelerating trend cycle, which gives wearers the constant stimulation and the desire for new. In response, designers and researchers are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives. Zhang et al. (2024) highlight the potential of modular fashion as one approach. They suggest that further research is required to investigate how garments can be modularised effectively. The development of interfaces, design frameworks and collaborative relationships across the industry is required. This research proposes a process to develop a standardised modular garment system as an attempt to extend the wearability of a garment while reducing the garments environmental impact. Focusing on user-centred design and sustainable practices, this research explores how modularity can foster adaptability, self-expression, creativity, and the reduction of textile waste. Through background research, iterative prototyping and two phases of user testing, a loop connection system was developed to allow for the construction and deconstruction of garment modules. The outcome consists of a proposed connection system, a bodice anchor and 4 interchangeable module pairs. All of which are contributing to the overall versatility of the garment. An additional outcome is the iterative user-centred development process itself. This process suggests that collaboration can lead to garments that more effectively meet wearers needs. While the number of possible combinations is theoretically open-ended, the system allows for at least 90 distinct variations. This research contributes to the ongoing development of modular garment systems and proposes a collaborative process for developing a user-centred modular connection system.</strong></p>