Assessment should consider
- fabric construction and weaves and stability of each
- advantages and disadvantages of natural fibers and fabrics
- advantages and disadvantages of man-made fibers and fabrics
- advantages and disadvantages of blended fabrics
- relationships of durability, care, comfort, and dyes to fibers, fabrics, and design
- finishes available (e.g., flame retardant).
Process/Skill Questions
Thinking
- What textile characteristics should be considered when presented with a specific design project? Why is each characteristic important?
- What information supports textile choices? In what ways can textile choices be evaluated?
Communication
- How do the factors of regional market, age group, and world economy affect a fashion industry professional’s textile decision? What additional factors will affect a designer’s textile decisions?
- Whose interests are affected by a designer’s textile decision(s)?
Leadership
- What textile criteria should be established and maintained to ensure success for the company’s design line?
- How may textile choice affect a fashion industry professional’s reputation and a fashion retail company’s reputation?
Management
- How might a fashion industry company measure the degree of success with which it has matched textile selection to design, construction, care, use, and maintenance of products?
- How might this measurement affect future criteria for textile selection and/or alternative actions to be considered for future design projects?