Chapter 4 — full chapter
Chapter 4 — full chapter
4.1. Chapter overview
Circular product architecture considers how the structure of a textile product influences material use, product lifetime and what can happen to its components and materials after use. Decisions about pattern geometry, seams, components, fastenings and material combinations affect not only how a garment is manufactured, but also how easily it can be repaired, adapted, disassembled or recycled.
This chapter explores circular product architecture through four connected areas. Pattern architecture and material efficiency considers how pattern development and digital tools can reduce fabric waste. Component architecture examines how trims, fasteners and modular elements can support repair, adaptability and recovery. Architecture for longevity focuses on durability and repairability, while architecture for recovery looks at disassembly, recyclability and future material cycles.
Circular product design therefore requires designers and product developers to consider more than the initial appearance and function of a garment. Product characteristics such as durability, repairability, standardisation, remanufacturing potential and recyclability are strongly influenced by decisions made during design and product development (Rahee & Sarker, 2024).
For fashion SMEs, these strategies can be introduced progressively. Improving a pattern layout, reducing unnecessary components, making a frequently failing part replaceable or simplifying material combinations can all create measurable improvements without requiring a complete redesign of the production system.
Learning objective: Learners will be able to translate circular design principles into product architecture decisions that improve material efficiency, longevity, repairability and recovery.
Rahee & Sarker identify reliability, durability, reuse, repairability, standardisation, remanufacturing and recyclability as key circular product-design strategies in apparel.