Notes on wearer–worn attachments: Learning to wear

Abstract

Previous literature in person-product attachment has identified factors in longterm relationships responsible for the strengthening of bonds between users and products, stimulating longevity in use. Interested in further understanding the matter in the realm of fashion, this study investigates how relationships between individuals and the clothes they wear evolve over time. It identifies motivators behind the increase and decrease in the overall quality of wearer-worn relationships in regard to four dimensions: comfort, frequency of use, visuality and versatility. In order to achieve this aim, an adaptation of the UX curve method is used. The method was employed with a group of ten participants, wearers of specific clothing production, namely experimental fashion, in contrast with commercial fashion pieces. The study findings contribute to the literature on person-product attachment and highlight 'learning to wear' as an engaging experience encouraging stronger relations with clothes. In the discussion, the article proposes future endeavours to understand wearing practices aiming at more engaging designs.

“I Still Love Them and Wear Them”—Conflict Occurrence and Management in Wearer-Clothing Relationships

“…The potential for conflict is intrinsic to any interpersonal interaction [18], and the same applies to the relation between wearers and clothes. In a study on how people-clothes relationships evolve, Valle-Noronha et al recognise that these were "not always positive, but often rather shifting between pleasing and frictional events" [20] (p. 240).…”

“…For a couple of years I did not use it because it was a bit flashy but then I couldn't care less about that. So during summer I wear it a lot!-Cassandra (35), Denim Shorts (20) I changed my style a bit in the middle. My outfits became more colorful, so I thought a grey skirt was a bit dull.…”

“…Sometimes the jeans make me look short.-Maria (25), Jeans (6) Wardrobe flows were identified as a conflict when participants recognised that other items interfered with their relationship with the chosen garment. Constantly engaging in new relationships with other clothes reduces the opportunity to engage regularly with items already owned, as new garments tend to be used more frequently than older ones [28] and "items used more frequently tend to sustain stronger relationships" [20] (p. 227). Several participants in our study reported a period in which the chosen garment was used less because "in the meantime I bought more training pants", "bought other dresses", "now I have lots of items to choose from".…”

“…In our study, changing places usually led participants to wear their chosen garment less often. This happened when participants moved to different climates, to a new country, or moved out temporarily, e.g., to attend university: I moved further south and was in a cold climate fewer days, so I didn't wear it as much as before I moved.-Fanny (37), Purple Sweater (20) I left it at home when I came to study in college.-Caroline (28), Yellow Hooded Jacket (10) Job changes were identifiable as a conflict source because they influenced the garment's frequency of use, either because it became the participant found it unsuitable or because the employer required different working attire: My job changed. I used to wear it often when I was in the classroom.…”

Sustainable Solutions for Wearable Technologies: Mapping the Product Development Life Cycle

“…Instead of "programmed obsolescence", the method of surprise implements "programmed alteration"-for instance, using thermo and ultra-violet (UV) reactive dyes that change the color of a material in the process of use [55] (p. 523). Moreover, a wardrobe audit is the method based on a collection of personal reflections and insights into wearing practices that allows designers to deepen their understanding of the person-product attachment [56] (cited in [57] p. 228). This approach is further developed in the concept of slow consumption, which encourages buying quality over quantity, and thus entails a longer product life span from manufacturing to discarding [58].…”