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EXISTING MITIGATION

When researching treatments for hyperhidrosis, I found that people take extensive and irreversible measures (such as surgery and microwave therapy) of body altercation in order to fit a social standard. This discovery led me seek out current methods people with hyperhidrosis employ to alleviate sweat, without changing their bodies. I interviewed 5 people with sweaty hands, asking them what habits they have developed to dry them. The resounding answer to my investigation was simple- people with hyperhidrosis commonly wipe their hands on clothing to quickly and temporarily rid them of moisture.



PRIMARY MODE OF ABSORPTION



I began observing my use of clothing to absorb sweat throughout the course of a week. When standing, I tended to place my hands around my hips, to mimic a commonplace action and avoid calling attention to myself. The most trafficked area was around the hip line, and waned towards the waist. 



SECONDARY MODE OF ABSORPTION




When sitting, the wiping motion focused on the top of the thigh, primarily between the knee and upper thigh. Although less used, the side of the high thigh, and knee area were also utilized to wipe sweat.

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TEXTILE RESEARCH

Following the textile-based solution route, I began to analyze issues that common fabrics experience when being used to soak up sweat on a consistent basis. Challenges fabrics used in the most common clothing face include the wear and breakdown of common cotton (1), fading of dyes and dyes coloring hands (2), and low absorption capacity (3). Other textile-based means of sweat mitigation, such as carrying a hand towel (4), may be unattractive or bring unwanted attention to a person’s hyperhidrosis.







FUNCTIONAL PRECEDENTS




MATERIAL SELECTION

I tested samples of various hydrophilic materials before settling on a terry towel-like fabric for the base, or bottom layer, of the absorbent pad, and a lightweight cotton-spandex blend (80/20) for the top layer. The terry has a very high absorbency capacity, and subsequently takes a while to fully absorb and dry. The cotton blend, conversely, has a quick absorbency and dry time, but cannot hold much. Implementing the layering method from my research into cloth diapers, I utilized the materials to form a high absorbency capacity, quick absorbency and dry time material.


SAMPLES









I sewed a grid into the pad to create a sudo-embossed effect and higher surface area variance, allowing the top fabric to more quickly absorb sweat and pass it on to the bottom layer. The sewn grid also pulls the cotton blend taught enough to resist the wear of pulling, but leaves it loose enough to effectively invite moisture through its fibers.




AESTHETICS

After selecting fabrics and having a general idea of a clothing-related design intervention, I collected formal precedents to guide the outward feel of the solution. I wanted the design to have an overall “cool” look and vibe, to give the wearer a positive sense of distinction and individuality, rather than difference and exclusion that accompanies a condition like hyperhidrosis. The appearance of the clothing-based design was inspired by 90’s hiphop and rap streetwear, as well as contemporary urban trends.


          

SKETCHING

Once the form and function had direction, I began sketching potential product interventions. I prioritized a vest-like form, to address the primary mode of sweat absorption, and additionally, pants to address the secondary mode— with both solutions incorporating the absorbent materials from the prior research.


    



STRUCTURAL MATERIALS

Following rough outlines of product solutions, I selected the final materials that made up the main structural components of both the pieces of clothing. Although hyperhidrosis is typically an independent variable, heat can exacerbate the condition, so I opted for breathable, light materials for the majority of the garment, excluding the absorbent pads. Additionally, I wanted to reference the social alienation and divide that people with hyperhidrosis can experience, so I paired specifically hydrophobic materials with hydrophilic, guiding use toward the absorbent pads and highlighting the barrier between the two groups.

 


FURTHER SKETCHING

Following the final selection of fabrics, I was able to solidify concepts for the form of the vest, while considering the structural behavior and interactions of all the fabrics with one another, and the possibilities for the clothing pieces. 





MODELING AND PATTERN DRAFTING

Once the final form was realized, I began modeling the garment and pattern in CLO3D. Having essentially no sewing experience, I then modified the pattern to be easily understandable and makeable without the use of typical sewing instructions.

PATTERNS



PANTS

Due to time constraints and other factors, I was unable to finish the pants, but completed the pattern and 3D modeling.

       






The contrast of hydrophobic material colors seeks to encourage the visual rhythm originating in the absorbent pads, breaking up the totality of any one tone, and again references the relationship of division versus harmony, suggesting the plausibility of differences coexisting.


The entire waistline is composed of the absorbent pad material. The sides of the waist display the checkered sudo-embossed pattern, indicating areas of frequent use. While the areas closer to the middle of the waist and back are made of the same absorbent material, the cross-stitching is absent, as these areas are rarely utilized on the same level as the hips.





The absorbent pads on the DRIP vest are integrated seamlessly into the wearer’s current habits of wiping their hands on the sides of their hips, adapting the environment to the wearer, instead of the inverse. The removable quality of the vest allows the wearer to take the garment off at will, transforming it into a more handheld textile and adding to the versatility of its uses.