Navigating Fit Challenges and Solutions in Denim Manufacturing: A Qualitative Inquiry Through the Engineering Design Process Model

Denim has been an influential element of widespread culture and fashion for centuries. Especially, Bangladesh is the world's second-largest exporter of clothing and apparel, in which denim exhibits a lot of promise. However, the local denim manufacturers in Bangladesh still face significant hurdles, one of which is the fit problem, the primary barrier limiting the growth of this industry. To assess the fit-related issues from the manufacturing side, a qualitative research method of one-on-one indepth interviews was used by applying the engineering design process model. Twenty-three participants discussed fit problems, reasons for the problems, and alternative solutions. The findings showed diverse fit issues in each division. Also, it was found that technological advancement would significantly assist in alleviating their fit issues. The outcomes of our study help in understanding fit-related problems from the perspectives of denim manufacturing professionals and the potential technological solutions for these problems.