Ein :
Fashionably responsible
How can we stay planet friendly while still adjusting our wardrobe to whim and weather? Ein is a modular jacket that is meant to give options to
those that want variety without having to contribute to the growing epidemic that is fast fashion.
14 wk project, 2018
Humans are the only species on Earth concerned with clothing. Ergo...
To be clothed is to be human!
Other animals adapt by changing their physical capabilities, but we humans shed and don textile fabrics depending on whim and weather.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, American consumers will purchase a little over a garment a week and an annual average of USD$1,100 per person or $1,700 per family. The majority being spent on “fast fashion” brands.
What's the Problem?
What makes us human is also part of what makes us awful
Annually, U.S.A will throw away 26 Billion lbs of textile trash into a landfill. The average American will throw away about 81lbs of textile waste a year. About 8 full trash bags
*Dwyer, Liz. "Here’S Why We Trash 26 Billion Pounds Of Clothing A Year." Takepart, 2016
Clothing production requires copious amounts of resources and is one of the largest polluting industries today.
This include the depletion of non-renewable sources (e.g. gas, oil, and coal), emission of greenhouse gases, and the use of massive amounts of water and energy. Cotton, particularly common in many wearable products, is also environmentally harmful to cultivate and manufacture.
*World Wildlife Fund. 2018. Cotton | Industries | WWF. [online]
Why aren't we Recycling?
of those U.S Americans surveyed...
54 %
think their textiles should not be donated due to holes, rips, and stains
74 %
more likely to donate if textiles would be accepted regardless of condition
*Dwyer, Liz. "Here’S Why We Trash 26 Billion Pounds Of Clothing A Year." Takepart, 2016
More resource consumption data
How do we create and encourage use of responsible and purposeful clothing?
How might we utilize design and material choice in order to customize for various
fit and weather?
Design Criteria
Adaptability to weather and whim
Overall reduction of fashion waste
Encourage personal connection through customization
Increased awareness and ease of recycling
Other things to consider with clothing habits
A less wasteful alternative - Cellulosic Fibre
Retains Cotton-like properties
High yarn strength and durability
Can be made to specification and woven to mimic denim, corduroy, muslin, organza, etc.
99.7% of Chemicals used in manufacturing process is reused.
Used fabrics can be processed back to raw materials and rewoven into new products.