REDEFINING NEONATAL MATERNITY WEAR: AN UPCYCLED SHIRTDRESS APPROACH IN SUSTAINABLE FASHION FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS

Abstract

This study presents an upcycled shirtdress for breastfeeding mothers, integrating sustainable fashion principles, functional adaptability, and infant sensory engagement. Design decisions were guided by semi-structured interviews with ten mothers, revealing a demand for breathable fabrics, concealed nursing access, adjustable sizing, and chemical-free materials. Discarded men’s cotton shirts were selected for their softness, durability, and hypoallergenic qualities, supported by literature on neonatal skin safety. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and neem (Azadirachta indica) dyes were applied without synthetic fixatives, offering antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Embroidery motifs, stitched with organic cotton thread, were placed near the chest and designed using bold primary colors and geometric shapes in line with infant visual development theory. Unique pattern-making combined shirt and wrap-dress features, enabling zero-waste cutting and adaptive fit through adjustable waistlines. Market analysis indicated rising demand for sustainable, multifunctional postpartum wear, positioning this design within a commercially viable niche. In pilot testing, 90% of participants reported enhanced breastfeeding convenience, 100% observed positive infant visual engagement, and the garment achieved a 60% lower carbon footprint compared to new production. The resulting garment demonstrates how evidence-based textile choices, infant- centered aesthetics, and sustainable construction can deliver both ecological benefits and emotional value. This approach offers a model for expanding sustainable postpartum fashion into scalable, trend-aligned collections.