I feel there is a gap in the market for long waterproof coats for men. Commuting and walking in the rain, my thighs often get wet from both the rain falling on them, and water running off my jacket. I set out to design and make a jacket that would keep me dry, and retain the look and features of the technical jackets I would usually wear
This project was completed as a part of a directed study which focused on learning CLO3D and technical apparel construction. While I had weekly feedback from my professor this project was very self directed and I was on my own to work out many of the advanced garment construction methods on display, including welded zips, adjustable hoods and laminated and seam sealed seams.
One of the objectives for this project was to continue my education in CLO3D. This was the second garment I had designed/made with the program.
I used an existing coat as a starting off point, using it to help develop the base pattern. Elements such as the cuffs, hood were designed from scratch.
I made a first prototype to test the fit of the jacket. It turned out well- a little small in the body for layers, but ok in the shoulders and a little short on the arms. Unfortunately, while I did initially fix these errors, a later mistake brought them back.
Before starting on the final prototype I did many materials and construction technique tests. Deciding on a colorway given the materials I had access too, I tested glues, stabilisers, seam tape, and laminating zippers.
The hood was the most challenging and time consuming part of the jacket. I took some measurements from other jackets as reference and observed different hood constructions in the market. Using this information I developed a pattern and assembly order of the various elements that need to go into the hood.
I patterned this hood from scratch with the aim that it would work well in the city. Many of my technical jackets have large hoods to accommodate helmets, but this comprimises their efectiveness for other uses. The more compact hood does not hinder my vision and keeps the rain off my face
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