Exploring Functional Fashion
What exactly is functional fashion? Why is it important to the everyday person? Is there a way to make it a luxury?
Functional fashion is defined as fashion that highlights function over form or has a purpose to focus on adaptivity for certain situations and conditions. Functional fashion typically is made from materials that are more environmentally friendly and durable for various types of elements. Functional fashion also extends to shoes as well.
There are some basic functions included in what is considered functional fashion. However, the main component of functional fashion lies in how it can help provide assistance to a person in whatever climate or situation they find themselves in. Some basic and high functions include:
- retain or release the accumulated body heat
- ability to move freely
- longevity of material
- comfortability
- environmentally friendly
- recyclable or biodegradable fabric
- protect from the elements
- protect from fire, radiation, microbes and viruses
- accumulate, emit and reflect light,
- provide support for a person with medicine
Layers are an important part of functional fashion. There are three layers - base, middle and outer that each work together to make functional fashion useful. Base layer helps to absorb moisture on the skin. Middle layer both keeps the body warm and allows the body to breathe. The outer layer helps to protect from the external environment. All three layers all help to regulate moisture on the skin of the body. Some fabrics that are mostly used with functions include membrane, softshell, and fleece.
There are various luxury brands that may be considered functional fashion as they use or incorporate the fabrics mentioned above in their designs, especially if the brand’s purpose is to protect the wearer against extreme cold or hot conditions. Even some high couture brands may include those fabrics to protect the longevity of their pieces and products.
What are some clothing items would you like to see become functional fashion? Let us know in the comments.
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Sources:
-https://techuntermagazine.com/what-is-functional-clothing
-https://www.techwearnow.com/blogs/news/what-is-functional-clothing
Photo Source:
-https://www.dailydot.com/irl/parsons-design-students-makes-clothes-for-refugees/
-https://dornob.com/transforming-fashion-multifunctional-clothing-designs/
-https://the5th.com/blogs/journal/functional-fashion-the-best-outdoor-wear-brands-for-hiking
