AATCC Sustainability Design Challenge

My past experience and focus has been in functional fabrics, so anti-microbial fibers are very interesting to me. Market trends show the profit potential of this barely tapped market. According to a natural fibers article written by AATCC, consumers prefer natural fibers. If so, why aren't more brands providing it? There are several factors that determine this, cost being the driving factor.

I am leaning toward preferred fibers for my project. My initial thoughts about how I will incorporate this sustainability feature in my designs is the total cost of using these fibers. There is a reason that finished goods cost so much more than synthetic material based ones; they are expensive to produce. Solving the "fashion industry crisis" of overconsumption and overproduction can't be solved with one solution, but rather it will take a collective and multi-angle approach to problem solving. For one, using more sustainable fibers is great because they last longer, are healthier for the consumer, and better for the environment.

My target market is outdoor recreationalists, and I plan to create an outdoor apparel line using hemp textiles.