Sustainable Zero Waste Pattern Making: Geo-Cut Techniques for Pre and Post-Maternity Wear Design

Background: Zero-waste pattern making is an innovative approach to garment design that minimizes fabric waste and aligns with sustainable fashion goals. The technique involves creating patterns that use the entire fabric, reducing environmental impact by eliminating scraps. This approach is especially important in maternity wear, where comfort, adaptability, and environmental responsibility are priorities. Purpose: This study aims to design and develop pre- and post-maternity wear using a zero-waste pattern-making approach, with a focus on the geo-cut technique. The objective is to create garments that adapt to the changing body shape during pregnancy, ensuring both functionality and sustainability while addressing the unique needs of each trimester. Methods: The geo-cut technique was used to design maternity wear that adapts to size variations throughout and after pregnancy. The study included creating multi-view drawings in CAD to facilitate just-in-time delivery and ensure consistent documentation for each design. A soft, sustainable cotton fabric was selected, and the garments were tested for comfort and adaptability across trimesters, along with an assessment of the impact of zero-waste patterning on production efficiency. Results: Garments developed using the geo-cut zero-waste technique demonstrated high adaptability and comfort across all trimesters. Initial feedback indicates strong client acceptance, with the designs being both aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective due to reduced fabric waste. The application of zero-waste patterning successfully aligned with sustainability objectives while maintaining product appeal. Conclusions: Zero-waste pattern-making in maternity wear design, particularly through the geo-cut technique, has proven effective in addressing environmental concerns and customers’ needs for adaptable clothing. This approach underscores the potential for wider adoption of zero-waste techniques within sustainable fashion. Keywords: Geo-cut technique, Maternity wear, Sustainable fashion, Zero-waste pattern making