Abstract
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for clothing specifically designed for the maternity and nursing periods. Maternity clothing, which accommodates the changing physique during the different stages of pregnancy, often does not meet the needs of nursing mothers. Hence, nursing is seen as a separate category, and keywords such as breastfeeding, feeding, and nursing are distinctly used while purchasing clothing post-delivery. The purpose of this study is to critically examine the existing designs available to breastfeeding women, as well as the expectations, needs, and preferences of breastfeeding mothers. In-depth interviews with 42 mothers from different Indian citites who have used or are presently using nursing wear were conducted to obtain deeper insights. The initial analysis of present nursing wear highlighted the presence of three main elements in the clothing, buttons, zippers and wrap ties. However, when evaluating the various breastfeeding clothing designs, each element had its own positives and challenges in terms of accessibility, comfort, and practicality. The study provides insights into current nursing wear and suggests design directions for nursing clothing. Key parameters identified for designing the nursing wear include ease of access for nursing, secure closure mechanisms, modesty, comfort, durability to withstand multiple uses and wear and also be relevant to the ongoing trends in the industry.
Presenters
Biniya AjAssistant Professor, Design Space, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Thinking, Learning, Doing: Plural Ways of Design
KEYWORDS
NURSING WEAR, USER-CENTERED DESIGN, CO-DESIGN, FUNCTIONAL FASHION
