Man-made fibre textiles preferences and usage among Garment designers for Clothing sustainability in South East, Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to survey man-made fibre textiles preference and usage among garment designers. The purpose was to ascertain the physical characteristics of man- made fibre textiles that influence their usage and the preferred tailoring techniques used in making garments. Two research questions guided the study.  The data were collected from One hundred (100) professional garment designers in Nigeria. The research design for the study was Ex post facto using descriptive survey method. The sampling technique used was proportionate stratified random sampling. Instrument used for the study was a structured questionnaire which was validated. The reliability of the instrument was ensured and the score of data collected were correlated using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) and coefficient 0.75 was obtained. The analysis of the research data was done using the mean scores (X) and Standard Deviation (SD). The results of the study revealed that man-made fibre textiles such as acetate has luxurious feel and appearance which influence usage in making dresses, blouses and foundation garments.  Polyester is strong with high resistant to shrinkage and stretching, used in making permanent press garments. Acrylic is wool-like, soft and warm for ski wear, socks, sportswear and sweater. Permanent stitches like zig zag and satin stitches are preferred for customized fancy wears, piping and welting used when making garments and suits, darts, pleats, tucks, frills, open seam for sewing dresses, blouses and skirts, appliqués for decorative designs and edge finishing for raw edges. It was concluded that acetate is used in garment making due to its lustrous appearance and feel and thereafter recommendations were made