Shirt Evalutation

The theme of this project was to design and make a shirt with sporty influences such as zips and contrasting panels within 4 workshop sessions. I started researching shirt styles within current trends whilst also paying detail to historical designs and usage.

I came up with various designs involving contrasting panels, diverse seams, collars and shoulders. At first it was a struggle to think of an idea withholding the minimalistic behaviour I apply to my designs whilst creating something fresh and new. Whilst researching styles of shirts and blouses I came across a Ralph Lauren frill shirt, which in context, is completely the opposite of sporty and is in fact considered as a feminine style. After evaluating the stunning yet adverse style I decided to explore incorporating the frill technique with sporty features such as contrasting panels, zips and stand collars.

Once deciding on a final design I mapped out a basic construction plan which I later redrew and added more in depth detail on Adobe Illustrator. Using this as a step-by-step guide I started my creative journey.

I am pleased with my final outcome and how the design has developed from a singular idea, to a 2d design then into a 3d functional garment. I wasn’t overly confident to how the frill would turn out with the extra layer being the contrast panel, as I had only experimented with one layer which hung nicely upon a mannequin. However after seeing the final outcome with all elements coinciding, I was rather pleased I took the risk.

If I was to make improvements to my shirt I would pay more detail and caution whilst sewing the statement frill. This is because I noticed after completing the shirt that the frill on the left side of the shirt is 1cm lower than the right side. I would also improve the straightness of the stitching along the hems and ensure that they are even and are stitching through all the layers they are supposed to.

In conclusion I am pleased with my outcome of this project as I believe I achieved the best work I could in at the stage I am currently at. Although there are imperfections and things I now look upon that I would debate changing, I realise that with practice and experience makes perfect.