The Design and Testing of Work Clothing for Female Pear Farmers

This research was undertaken to develop work clothing for pear farmers in Naju county, Korea. Pear farming is economically important here, but there has been little effort to develop work clothing to improve worker comfort and efficiency. This study presented special problems to the researcher/designer. The subjects were unable to verbalize their needs and were appreciative and accepting of any prototype design with little critical analysis of its function. The researchers adopted methodologies including field observation and in depth interviews to collect data of expert analysis of the prototypes.

Field observation, interviews, and questionnaires were used in Phase 1 of the research to collect data on clothing needs of male and female farmers. Survey results (113 questionnaires, 42 female, 71 male) and a pilot test revealed differences in requirements between females’ and males’ work clothing. Female pear farmers were selected as subjects for the final phases of the study. Four prototype work outfits for female workers (jackets and pants) were developed and tested for fit, mobility, and acceptability in the field. Perception of fit, function, and aesthetics of the four work outfits were evaluated by female pear farmers and expert judges.

The outfits for Korean female pear farmer workers developed and tested in this study have the potential to increase field performance and worker comfort. The concepts employed can be used to develop work outfits for workers in other fields, particularly for workers such as the pear farmers who are not skilled at verbalizing their needs or engaging in critical analysis of prototype garments.