RESEARCH AND APPAREL DEVELOPMENT BY APPLYING ZERO WASTE CONCEPT: CASE STUDY OF THAI IKAT SILK FABRIC SETS.

Abstract

This research and apparel development by applying zero-waste concept: case study of Thai ikat silk is mixed methods research and the objectives are 1 To study the process of designing and manufacturing apparel by applying the zero-waste concept. 2) To develop 9 items of apparel from Thai Ikat Silk fabric sets by applying the zero-waste concept. The researcher used descriptive analysis from various concepts, theories, and quantitative data analysis from target group’s questionnaire to be used as a design direction. And qualitative analysis from focus group discussions with fashion design specialists using a structured interview to select suitable prototypes. Finally, quantitative data was analyzed from satisfaction questionnaires of the target group.

The results found that the zero-waste pattern design is the most suitable technique for designing and manufacturing process, resulting in products that are outstanding in terms of flexibility of silhouettes and size for wearing. 5 sets of Thai Ikat silk were used and applied the zero-waste concept, resulting in  18 items. The results showed that fashion design specialists selected 10 out of 18 prototypes with an average of 4.59 out of 5. Considering the highest level of suitability was that applying zero waste concept with the production process is suitable for the apparel designs with an average of 4.97. The results showed that the overall satisfaction of the target group with the 10 items of apparel from applying zero-waste concept was at a high level with an average of 3.95. The highest mean was exquisite sewing techniques and beautifully finished with an average of 4.23. Pricing that fits the style of the items with an average of 4.02 and the color and fabric pattern met the requirements with an average of 3.99 including materials that are suitable for the designs and match the demand of the target groups respectively.