Reviving Tradition: Integrating Suzhou Double-Sided Embroidery into Modern Casualwear for Heritage Preservation

This study explores the integration of Suzhou double-sided embroidery, a thousand-year-old traditional Chinese craft, into modern casualwear as a strategy for cultural heritage preservation. The research addresses the declining demand for traditional crafts due to modernization and globalization, which threatens the survival of skilled artisans and erodes cultural identity. Using a quantitative methodology with a simple random sampling of 200 participants, the study examines the historical development, artistic influence, and contemporary adaptation of Suzhou double-sided embroidery. Key objectives include evaluating its aesthetic impact on casualwear, analyzing consumer responses, and proposing innovative strategies for its transmission among Chinese youth. The findings reveal strong public appreciation for Suzhou embroidery, with 81% of participants rating its integration into casualwear as appealing. Younger demographics (aged 18–30) demonstrated a particularly high preference, with 84% supporting its role in cultural preservation. Modernized designs featuring minimalist patterns emerged as the most favored style, reflecting a trend toward blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics. The study also highlights the potential of digital platforms and social media influencers in promoting this craft to younger audiences, along with the value of educational programs to foster cultural appreciation and skill development. The results underscore the importance of combining traditional narratives with modern design and marketing strategies to ensure the survival and relevance of Suzhou double-sided embroidery. By bridging the gap between heritage and innovation, this research provides a framework for preserving intangible cultural assets while meeting the demands of the contemporary fashion industry. Policymakers, designers, and educators are urged to collaborate to sustain this unique art form as a dynamic cultural symbol in a globalized world.