We designed a zero-waste jacket that blends traditional Japanese and vintage American construction methods with Western aesthetics, functionality, and durability.
Sustainable Fashion Design, Pattern Making, Iterative Design Process, Garment Construction, Material Selection & Upcycling, Cross-Cultural Design Thinking, Problem-Solving, Prototyping & Testing
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Fashion is one of the top contributors to climate change, thus efforts in reducing waste are imperative. Most commonly used cutting patterns can waste as much as 10-30% of the original fabric per sheet. While clothing like Kimonos eliminate waste by utilizing zero-waste construction methods, they are often made of silk and other delicate materials, along with having excess of fabric to drape off the body so as to not restrict movement. This creates a gap in which sustainable, zero-waste clothing that appeals to Western audiences has yet to be filled. The challenge lies in designing fashionable, functional, but also durable garments that not only minimize, but eliminate fabric waste.
The Zero Waste Jacket Kimono is designed to address this gap by merging the sustainable principles of Japanese zero-waste construction with Western aesthetics and functionality. Inspired by traditional kimonos, chore jackets, and vintage sweatshirts’ raglan sleeves, this jacket requires only a 1.5×1.5m canvas (equivalent to four tote bags) with no excess fabric waste. The jacket features a simple square template, ensuring that all material is utilized. The design incorporates a belt as a nod to kimono traditions, while the option to remove it and add buttons allows for a more Westernized look. Practical elements, like angled pockets for holding items while bending over and raglan sleeves for enhanced arm mobility, make the jacket not only fashionable but also highly functional. Through 12 scaled-down prototypes and 4 full-size prototypes, the design was iterated to achieve perfect sizing and seam alignment.
The Zero Waste Jacket Kimono successfully demonstrates that sustainable fashion can be both eco-friendly and appealing to Western consumers. By combining the aesthetics and fit of a "mechanic" or "chore jacket" with sustainable zero-waste design principles, this project highlights the potential for reducing fabric waste in mainstream fashion without sacrificing style or practicality. The extensive iterative design process ensures a well-fitting, functional garment, showcasing the balance between sustainability and wearability. This project represents a fusion of traditional and modern design elements, where sustainability and style are not mutually exclusive.
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