Design and Merchandising Functional Clothing Design
Functional clothing design is the science of clothing. In the ILL we explore the interrelationship of the human body, clothing, and the environment. Specifically, we develop and test products that enhance the wearer’s mobility, have improved thermal comfort, push material innovations, and provide safety and protection.
The IIL is enhancing the functional performance and safety of clothing by applying advanced technologies in the design and production process.
Featured Project National 3D Anthropometric Survey of Firefighters
In collaboration with 13 Universities, we are conducting a national, 3D anthropometric survey of the hands, feet, and bodies of firefighters. Through this effort, we aim to build our knowledge of the human form through anthropometrics to improve the safety, fit, and performance of firefighters’ gloves, boots, and turnout gear. We are in the process of creating a shareable database of all 3D scans and measurement data from the national anthropometric survey, which will become available to all researchers, fire service organizations, manufacturers, and government entities to enable fire gear human factors research and analysis to be conducted. This shared, 3D anthropometric data will ensure continual, life-saving improvement of fire PPE.
Selected Scholarship
Publications
Understanding firewomen’s fit problems with their coats and pants and its impact on mobility and safety
McKinney, E., Morris, K., Wu, Y., Griffin, L., Sokolowski, S., Carufel, R.*, & Park, J. (2021). Understanding firewomen’s fit problems with their coats and pants and its impact on mobility and safety. WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, and Rehabilitation, 69 (2), 449-464. doi: 10.3233/WOR-213490.
Partnerships in practice: Producing new design knowledge with users when developing performance apparel products
Morris, K., & Ashdown S. P. (2018). Partnerships in practice: Producing new design knowledge with users when developing performance apparel products. Fashion Practice, 10(3), 328-353. https://doi.org/10.1080/17569370.2018.1507149.
Expanding the Concept of Lead Users as Collaborators in Functional Apparel Design
Morris, K., & Ashdown S. P. (2018). Expanding the Concept of Lead Users as Collaborators in Functional Apparel Design. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 36(3), 180-198. https://doi.org/10.1177/0887302X18765262.
Development of a nursing sports bra for physically active breastfeeding women through user-centered design
Morris, K., Park, J., & Sarkar, A. (2017). Development of a nursing sports bra for physically active breastfeeding women through user-centered design. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 35(4). 290-306. https://doi.org/10.1177/0887302X17722858.
Effect of firefighters’ personal protective equipment on gait
Park, H., Kim, S., Morris, K., Moukperian, M., Moon, Y., & Stull, J. (2015). Effect of firefighters’ personal protective equipment on gait. Applied Ergonomics, 48, 42-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2014.11.001.
Design Scholarship
Floral Fusion: Digitally printed and laser cut dress and bolero jacket
Parsons, J. & Morris, K. (2019, October). Floral Fusion: Digitally printed and laser cut dress and bolero jacket. Integrating digital textile print with laser cutting to create a 3-dimensional surface embellishment by considering print engineering and placing individually laser-cut flowers on the dress collar and jacket. International Textile and Apparel Association, Las Vegas, Nevada. Acceptance Rate: 51% This design is in the permanent collection of the Missouri Historic Costume and Textile Collection. Acceptance Rate: 42.6% -Award: ATEXINC Award for Excellence in Marketable Textile Design –Professional category
Luminosity: High Visibility Apparel for Runners
Morris, K. (2017, November). Luminosity: High Visibility Apparel for Runners. Running vest, base layer, and tights were developed with runners and further conceptualized by the designer to address runners' concern for safety during runs in low light conditions. International Textile and Apparel Association, St. Petersburg, Florida. Acceptance Rate: 38%. Award: Claire Schaffer Award for Outstanding Marketable Design – Professional Level. This design was featured in a book: Hall, M., Gorea, A., & Roelse, K., (2019). The Book of Pockets. Bloomsbury: New York, NY. p. 125-128. Acceptance Rate: 44% Award: Claire Schaeffer Award for Outstanding Marketable Design – Professional Category
Lucent Two: A Breathable Hooded Rain Jacket
Morris, K. (2017, November). Lucent Two: A Breathable Hooded Rain Jacket. Waterproof jacket and running shorts with aesthetic-based functional features for runners. International Textile and Apparel Association, St. Petersburg, Florida. Acceptance Rate: 38% This design was featured in a book: Hall, M., Gorea, A., & Roelse, K., (2019). The Book of Pockets. Bloomsbury: New York, NY. p. 125-128. Acceptance Rate: 51% Award: ESRAP (Educators for Socially Responsible Apparel Practices) Award for Sustainable Design.
Parametric: Laser Engraved Neoprene Jacket
Morris, K. (2017, October). Parametric: Laser Engraved Neoprene Jacket. Laser engraved parametric shapes that enable the malleability of neoprene. Costume Society of America’s Midwestern Regional Meeting. Cincinnati, Ohio. Acceptance Rate: 75% Acceptance Rate: 49%. Award: ITAA Award for Creative and Innovative Employment of Techniques.
Sprinter: 3D Technology Enabled Cycling Uniform
Vaughn, A., & Morris, K. (2017, October). Sprinter: 3D Technology Enabled Cycling Uniform. The cycling uni was created from a 3D body scan of a cyclist in the active position and 3D flattened patterns created in Optitex. Costume Society of America’s Midwestern Regional Meeting. Cincinnati, Ohio. Acceptance Rate: 75%
Thermic: A Research-driven Base Layer
Morris, K. (2016, November). Thermic: A Research-driven Base Layer. Multi-use base layer and tights were developed through quasi-experimental controlled design sessions with runners who run more than 30 miles per week. The baselayer concept was tested in wear trials. International Textile and Apparel Association, Vancouver, British Columbia. Acceptance Rate: 45% This design was featured in a book: Hall, M., Gorea, A., & Roelse, K., (2019). The Book of Pockets. Bloomsbury: New York, NY. p. 125-128.
Lucent: Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Morris, K. (2016, November). Lucent: Lightweight Waterproof Jacket. Lucent is a lightweight and waterproof activewear jacket, achieved by exploring creative pattern making using a half-scale dress form design process. International Textile and Apparel Association, Vancouver, British Columbia. Acceptance Rate: 45%
Migration for a New Habitat: Electrically heated wetsuit
Morris, K., Flint, R., & Park, H. (2012, November). Migration for a New Habitat. Electrically heated wetsuit. International Textile and Apparel Association, Honolulu, Hawaii. Acceptance Rate: 37% This design was also featured in a book: Tortora, P., G., & Eicher, J. B., (2015). Dress, Fashion and Technology: From Prehistory to the Present Bloomsbury: New York, NY, p.227.
Pupa Butterfly: Transitional Maternity Dress
Morris, K., Stannard, C., & Park, J. (2010, October). Pupa Butterfly: Transitional Maternity Dress. International Textile and Apparel Association, Montreal, Canada. Acceptance Rate: 31% Award: 2010 Lectra Graduate Student Award for the use of Technology, First Place.