Description
It has been observed that the voluminous or structured sleeves of Philippine women’s garments, including those made from translucent native plant materials from the pineapple and banana families, were – and still are – ill-suited for wearing coats. This seeks to demonstrate that nineteenth-century designs aligned more with tropical rather than colonial fashions. Amid debates surrounding plant and animal fibers as well as tropical and colonial apparel, this explores how physical comfort and ease of movement were addressed or disregarded in nineteenth century Philippine fashion. The main questions that prompted this study are: What do historical records reveal about the relationship between clothing and its wearer’s physical comfort and well-being? In what ways did societal standards outweigh ergonomic considerations? How can studies on clothing ergonomics and its impact on health and social norms inform present designers, manufacturers, and stylists?The significance of this research lies in bringing to the fore the historical link between clothing, climate, comfort, and mobility, heightening our awareness of the way our bodies feel in relation to the styles we wear, the materials that touch our skin, and the environments we are operating in. As societies and industries evolve, the integration of ergonomic principles is becoming increasingly important for enhancing wearability, adaptability, productivity, and practicality.
As an emerging field at the crossroads of history, physiology, medical and material sciences, the ergonomics of fashion has only gained attention in recent years. Using historical approaches, methods include analysis of correspondences, artworks, objects, surviving garments and other historical records that may have captured observations, generalizations, and social commentaries.
| Period | 9 Sept 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Commodities of Empire Workshop: Threads of Empire: Modes, Materials, and the Making of Textiles |
| Event type | Workshop |
| Location | Glasgow, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |