Developing sustainable wearables from chindi dari: a double diamond and material-driven design approach

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop chindi dari, a recycled handwoven rug, into a wearable textile through an iterative design development process using a double diamond and material-driven design framework. The study addresses the gap in circular fashion research on systematically transforming the post-consumer textile waste into aesthetically pleasing and user-acceptable garments. By delving into this, the research seeks to offer sustainable and fashionable wearables to its prospective users. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative and experimental research design approach is employed to modify the fabric at several phases for the development of a wearable textile. The iterative process combined field-based material experimentation and expert evaluation. Qualitative analysis included focus-group discussions, expert interviews, and dialogues. The survey approach (n = 71) was employed to gather the opinions of men and women aged 18–45 years on the developed fabric. Findings After consolidating the expert reviews and survey analysis, the developed fabric displayed better drapeability, reduced bulkiness, and better aesthetics. The fabric was suitable for outerwear garments and stoles rather than body-hugging silhouettes. The user responses indicated that comfort, aesthetics, and functionality were frequently mentioned reasons for acceptance of the developed fabric. Originality/value The research provides an integrated double diamond and material-driven design roadmap to upgrade waste-based craft textiles into relevant wearable textiles. Chindi dari is treated as an evolving material system where yarn modifications, weave explorations, finishing, and thickness of the fabric are fine-tuned to make it drapeable, comfortable, and aesthetically appealing. The approach illustrates how upcycled craft-based textiles can enter the sustainable fashion market as a responsible outerwear and accessories contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12. This also opens new product and income opportunities for women-led craft clusters, supporting SDG 11.