PROTOTYPING PROCEDURE
GARMENT SELECTION & ADAPTIVE FEATURE FUNCTIONALITY
The Skreet Cargos were selected for the physical creation and the prototyping process in order to test the functionality of my detachable pocket in a real-world setting. The placement and hardware used to allow for the pockets to detach were explored in order to determine which best would suit one's sensory needs. Along with this various alterations were implemented such as the addition of frontal jean pockets without ribbits for aesthetic needs, and the elimination of back pockets to appeal to sensory processing disorders needs. This prototyping process encompassed three phases, which eventually lead to the realization of the Skreet Cargos in the physical world. The final fabrics used for the Skreet Cargos consist of a 100% Organic Brushed Cotton fabric and a 100% Cotton Twill.
PROTOTYPE PHASES
PHASE ONE
The first step involved in taking the Skreet Cargos from idealization to realization involved looking to inspiration and a baseline to start from, which was a Green Pepper
Men's Cascade Power Pant in men's 34 sizings. This pattern after conceptualization was altered to incorporate front jean pockets instead of side seam pockets. Additionally, it was altered to completely eliminate the button and zipper fly closure, with the replacement of an elastic waistband pattern block, for a softer feel against the skin. Along with this, the pattern blocking was resized along the calf of the pattern block to give a more baggy look, but this was later reverted due to the potential sensory disruptions this may cause.
PHASE TWO
The second phase after pattern-blocking alterations were made, involved the physical creation of the first sample. The first sample was composed of Cotton Muslin since this fabric structure aside from fabric weight was similar in structure to my 100% Organic Brushed Cotton plain weave. It was during this process that the process for implementing an elastic waistband and front jean pockets was explored. After, the construction methods to the pattern block were understood, the focus shifted to the detachable cargo pockets.
PHASE THREE
Before I could create the patternblock for a detachable pocket, I first had to decide what type of cargo pocket I wanted. After various research and exploration of types of pockets I went with a flat cargo pant pocket. Once this the type of pocket was determined, the ideation process shifted to creating the pattern block. Once the pattern blkc was established various samples of the pocket were created to determine the best pocket sizing. The last and most keystone step involved determining the hardware that would be used to attach and deattach the pocket. After brainstorming various ideas including magnetic snaps, snaps, zippers, and more it was determined that velcro was the most suitable clsoure in correspondence with sensory friendly needs.
FINAL PROTOTYPE
In the final phase, the prototype was created utizling all the knowledge and experience gained from the first sample. For the final prototype, 100% Organic Brushed Cotton fabric was used for the pants, with 100% Cotton Twill fabric used for the attachable cargo pockets to provide more durability and functionality. On the final prototype, the attachable pockets were attached through the use of velcro, with the pockets being placed lower to avoid any sensory disruptions the velcro may cause when the consumer is resting their arms.
PROTOTYPING TAKEAWAYS
Ultimately, the Skreet Cargos proved to be a success. The overall fit of the pants exceeded expectations providing a form-fitting fit around the waist, cross point, and rise with a baggier loose fit around the calves which came with the change in fabric. The front jean pockets proved to be successful showing great durability and functionality without the use of rivets. The attachable flat also proved to be functional with the placement of the pockets completely eliminating any disruptions the wearer may feel when sitting and resting their arms. However, there is definitely room for improvements that could be seen, which may involve utilizing a different type of cargo pocket that utilizes a gusset to appear more forming with the body, improving the visual aesthetics.