The Educational Impact of Clothing Construction in Secondary and Post-Secondary Curriculum

Clothing construction knowledge, a foundational skill taught in Family and Consumer Sciences secondary and post-secondary classes, is being threatened at the middle and secondary levels as programs are dropped from curricula and classes are not offered. The decline in programs appears to be the result of a perceived negative value for clothing construction classes coupled with a misconception of career opportunities available to students in the fashion industry. This article discusses the career opportunities for students with clothing construction knowledge and skills in the robust and growing fashion industry, and suggests that a renewed focus on clothing construction skills and knowledge is vital to student success and career preparation for both family and consumer science education, and fashion merchandising and design students at the post-secondary level.

An online survey conducted with secondary and middle school Family and Consumer Sciences teachers; fashion industry professionals and college students majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Fashion Merchandising and Design determined the lived experiences and the importance of clothing construction in careers of Family and Consumer Sciences Education as well as Fashion Merchandising and Design students. A discussion of the benefits is included as well as the need for more research to support the continuance of clothing construction curricula in secondary and post-secondary Family and Consumer Sciences programs [1].