Choosing Clothing

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Choosing Clothing
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Clothing

• We wear clothing
• to give us protection against the weather
• to stop us being self conscious
• to protect us from other hazards

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Clothing

• Safety fireman, motor racing driver
• Identity police, nurse, footballer
• Status school jersey, army uniform
• Comfort pyjamas, tracksuits
• Different groups of people have special clothing
  needs which you must be able to identify and
  explain.

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Babies consider these design features

• Comfortable
• No scratchy labels/motifs
• No thick, rough seams
• No tight elastic casings
• No metal zips
• Soft fabric
• Several layers of thin clothes are best as babies
  find it difficult to control body temperature

• Durable
• Can be rubbed to remove stains
• Can be washed often without spoiling/fading
• Withstands pulling and stretching, regains shape

• Easy care
• Easy to machine wash
• Quick to dry
• Preferably no need to iron
• Babies need several changes a day

Saves carer time
Saves money on replacements
Keeps baby comfortable, content, happy

• Safe
• no ribbons, lace for baby to chew
• No small buttons or trims a choking hazard
• No ties may strangle baby
• No lacy knits as baby may get fingers caught in
  holes
• Flame resistant night wear

• Stretchy
• Baby can move easily
• Easy to dress/undress

Keeps baby safe and free from injury

• Absorbent
• Absorbs sweat comfortably

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Babies consider these design features

• Make sure fastenings are easy to use (poppers,
  velcro)
• Make sure nappy changing is possible without
  having to remove all clothing
• Make sure necklines are big enough envelope
  necklines are eay to put on, yet sit neatly
• Make sure ribbed and elastic casings are not too
  tight
• Make sure laundry instructions are easy care
• Thin layers trap air and keep baby warm for
  cooler temps, but can be removed if baby becomes
  hot
• Babies dont need shoes till they start walking
• Make sure socks, shoes etc are not too tight as
  this can cause feet to become deformed
• Baby grows are practical for the first few months
• Brushed or fleece linings are comfortable and
  soft

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Toddlers consider these design features

• Absorbent
• toddlers can be very active, absorbent fabric/
  clothing will absorb sweat and make them more
  comfortable
• Toddlers who are comfortable will be happier!

• Durable
• Toddlers can be very active and sore on
  clothing.
• Durable clothes will withstand wear and tear
• Durable clothes will last well despite frequent
  washing and drying

• Easy care
• Toddlers can get very messy and need several
  changes of clothes
• Clothes should be machine washable
• Quick to dry
• Need no or minimal ironing
• Crease resistant clothes save time and look good

• Safe
• Should have no long, loose ties
• No neck cords in case they get caught and cause
  choking
• No sharp buckles
• Flame resistant, particularly night wear
• Should not be too big/baggy in case it gets
  caught or the child gets tangled or trips

• Outdoor clothes
• Depending on time of year needs vary
• Warm clothing required for outdoor play in
  Autumn/Winter
• Waterproof clothes needed for bad weather and wet
  play
• Must be washable as it will get dirty regularly
• Elasticated edges on arms/ feet will help keep
  the child warm and dry

• Stretchy
• Allows for easier dressing /undressing
• Allows the child to stretch and move comfortably
  during play

• Soft
• Soft clothing is comfortable to wear
• Avoid rough edges/ fabrics which could irritate
  sensitive skin

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Toddlers consider these design features

• The reason behind these features being required
  on toddlers clothes are basically the same as for
  babies (for comfort, safety, easy care and
  economy)
• Toddlers are more active than babies
• They will probably still be wearing nappies but
  beginning potty training. Clothes should allow
  easy access for changing (trousers with poppers,
  dungarees etc) Elasticated waists allow trousers
  to be pulled down quickly during potty training
• At this age toddlers are becoming more
  independent and will want to begin dressing/
  undressing themselves. Clothes with elasticated
  waists, velcro, zips or chunky buttons make this
  easier.
• Velcro can also be used on footwear. Get feet
  measured regularly to avoid ill fitting shoes
  which can damage little feet.

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Teenagers consider these design features

• Teenagers will require different clothing for
  different activities.
• Fashion will often dictate choice and tends to
  come in cycles
• The basic requirements of safety, easy care and
  comfort remain
• Specialist clothing will be required for school
  uniform and leisure pursuits and activities
• Changing seasons will affect factors required
• Income, lifestyle and body image/ size may affect
  choice also
• While adults choices may well be different to the
  clothes teenagers choose, the requirements remain
  the same, (safety, easy care, comfort, fit for
  lifestyle and occupation.

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Pregnant women consider these design features

• While pregnant body shape and size changes.
  Loose clothing will allow for the growing bump
• Elasticated waists also allow for the growing
  bump
• Clothes should be soft and comfortable. Stretchy
  garments allow ease of movement
• Easy care as the pregnant woman may be tired
• Shoes should be well fitting and comfortable,
  preferably with a low stable heel. This avoids
  putting even more strain on her back leading to
  back ache.

Note about lactating mums Mums who are breast
feeding will need clothes that allow easy access
for feeding and launder easily.
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The elderly consider these design features

• People who lack mobility will find it more
  difficult to keep warm. A few thin layers (vest,
  blouse/shirt, cardigan/jersey, fleece/blanket
  will trap air between the layers which will help
  the body retain heat. Thermal underwear traps
  body heat close to the skin so is warmer to wear.
  To avoid hypothermia in winter, the elderly may
  wear hat/ gloves inside
• Front fastening garments will be easier to wear
• Easy fastenings (zips, velcro, chunky buttons)
  will help people with arthritis in their fingers
• Coats and jackets should be warm. Elasticated
  cuffs etc will prevent draughts
• Clothes should be easy care as doing laundry may
  be more difficult
• Clothes should not be too long to avoid tripping
• Stretch clothes make dressing/undressing easier
• Shoes should be stable and comfortable . Laces
  and buckles might be difficult, well fitting slip
  on shoes may be a better and safer choice

Most elderly people will have the same varied
requirements for clothing that adults do.
However, some elderly people may have problems
with mobility and arthritis which may make
dressing/undressing more difficult
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Outer garments keeping warm and dry

• Questions may apply to
• Toddlers/children playing outside
• Teenagers/adults walking to work/school etc
• Garments for leisure pursuits such as hill
  walking, skiing, etc

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Outer garments keeping warm and dry

• Layering - Layers of clothing trap air between
  each layer, no matter how thin the garment, and
  insulates the body.
• Fibres - Wool traps air and is warm. Cotton
  absorbs sweat so helps keep the body dry.
  Man-made fabrics can make the body feel hot and
  sticky
• Fabric construction knitted fabrics trap air
  between the loops and so insulate the body.
  Woven fabrics do not trap as much air
• Fleece some fabrics have a fleece lining which
  traps air so insulates well
• Quilting wadding is sewn in between an inner
  and outer layer. This traps air so is a good
  insulator
• Microfibres / microporous membranes allow sweat
  to escape yet keeps out wind and rain. This is
  especially important for comfort.
• Fabric Finishes modern technology has produced
  a number of special finishes to retain warmth and
  repel water

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Funnel neck keeps out water and draughts
Microporous lining prevents the body becoming hot
or clammy
Fleece lining gives extra warmth
Bright colour ensures visibility
Zip fastened pockets to aid security and avoid
loss of maps, tickets, money etc
Concealed zip front to avoid water penetration in
heavy rain
Concealed hood collar so hood tucks neatly away
when not in use prevents it flapping or getting
caught
Waterproof finishes repel rain and water helping
keep the body dry
Quilted finish traps air so insulates well
Reflective strips ensure visibility at night
Look for a lightweight fabric to avoid additional
weight for activities
Elasticated waist Keeps out draughts
Longer length gives extra protection from wind
and rain
Pockets are useful for carrying objects
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Breathable fabrics or linings in trainers allow
feet to breath and reduce sweat giving added
comfort
Adjustable fastenings ensure a good fit,
important to avoid accidents or injury or
interruption to play in a sporting context
A good fit is essential so footwear must be tried
on before purchase Shoes should give good support
and balance the weight of your body
Footwear made from natural materials will let
feet breath avoiding sweating, hot feet and a
build up of a sweaty smell
Padding gives comfort, preventing blisters or
chaffing
Other requirements and features will vary
depending on the type of footwear and the
activity/function it is being worn for.
Outdoor shoes should be waterproof to keep feet
dry and comfortable
Soles should give grip to prevent slipping thus
avoiding accidents or injury. Some trainers now
have air sole units to give added protection
during impact when playing sport
Dark colours may be more practical for outdoor
activities keeping the footwear looking good for
longer.
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You may be questioned on other types of clothing.
Think what the requirements would be for the
following

• Holiday wear
• Sports wear
• School uniform
• Work wear outside, office, chef etc.
• Special occasions

• Remember to consider
• Where is the item going to be worn (work,
  leisure, special occasions)
• Will it require any special properties (crease
  resistance, waterproofing, flame resistance,
  stain resistance etc)
• Will it need any special features (pockets,
  fastenings, etc )
• What other factors might be considered (fashion,
  cost, easy care, etc)