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//REWORK THIS
event
Activity: Takes place with a fixed time and schedule
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24th February
to 4th April
150 You will earn 150 gold points for completing this activity.
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Research Assistant in Sportswear Innovation

24th February to 4th April
Attention design students! Manchester Fashion Institute is collaborating on a research project focused on sportswear durability and strength. Analyse commercial sports bras, emphasising design, construction, and fit. Contribute to the first comprehensive sports bra sizing registry and advance your career in sportswear innovation!

Innovative Sports Bra Design Research: A Comparative Analysis 

Attention all design students! Manchester Fashion Institute is excited to collaborate with the faculty of Science and Engineering University of Rochester, New York, and Loughborough University on a pioneering project focused on the durability and strength of sportswear items. 

Are you passionate about the latest innovations in sportswear design? Ever wondered about the intricate process behind designing and testing sports bras for durability and strength? If so, this project is perfect for you! We’re seeking creative and innovative minds to engage in a comparative analysis of commercial sports bras, emphasising their design, construction and fit. 

Join us in this exciting venture to contribute to the creation of the very first comprehensive sports bra sizing registry and push the boundaries of sportswear design and innovation! 

Sports bras are crucial for girls and women to comfortably engage in sports and exercise, but finding the right fit can be challenging. Currently, there is no standard sizing for sports bras, leading to variations across different brands.  

Our project aims to create the first comprehensive registry of sports bra sizes across various brands. This will be the first step in developing a method to help women find the right fit for their sports bras. You will be provided with a range of sports bras to analyse. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Research: Investigate existing studies and publications on sports bra design, fit, and functionality. 

Selection: Identify and select a range of commercial sports bras for analysis. 

Examination: Document the different components of each sports bra, including fabric, straps, cups, and closures. 

Comparison: Compare the design features of the selected sports bras, noting similarities and differences. Use CAD skills to create detailed 2D sketches for each bra type. 

Fabric Analysis: Compare the weight, thickness, and structural details of each bra type. 

Data Analysis: Analyse the collected data to identify trends, strengths, and weaknesses in sports bra designs. 

Reporting: Prepare a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the comparative analysis. 

Presentation: Present the findings to stakeholders, including recommendations for design improvements. 

Academic Research Lead:

Dr. Tasneem Sabir PhD, CText FTI, PGC-AP, SFHEA, BSc (Hons)

Senior Lecturer: Textiles Technology

Please submit a detailed expression of interest (150-300 words), including links to any portfolio, assessments, and/or social content work that you feel will support your application. 

We also welcome links to CVs; however, the most important element is your passion and willingness to be involved. Please carefully consider your expression of interest and what you include in it. 

Application Opening Date: 29th January 2025 

Application Closing Date: 14th February 2025 

Project timeframe: 24th February – 7th April 

Earn Recognition: Complete the project and accumulate points on the co-curricular RISE website. Additionally, this project will provide unique experience for your CV, along with supportive references from the research team, which can add significant value in the competitive industry market.

Associated Badges:

In A Nutshell...

  • Collaborative Team... The research team includes textile and biomechanical experts from two UK universities, along with an academic clinician in the US who works closely with athletes.
  • Networking Opportunity... The supervising faculty is well-connected both regionally and internationally. This work is valued across multiple fields and has potential applications in many areas of study.
  • Collaborative Learning... Engage in active teamwork across the University, fostering community and collaboration while bridging your specialisms.
  • Leadership Development...This unique project offers a great opportunity for a student to take a leading role in developing the study protocol, as there is no previously defined approach in this area.
  • Portfolio Building...There is very little research in this area. Work in this field has the potential for abstract submission and acceptance
  • Earn up to 150 Rise points ... which can be recognised within your degree.

Schedule

  • call_split 24/02/25 to 04/04/25
    In person and hybrid : Flexible based on student
    The project will consist of approximately 30 hours, spanning 6 weeks, with an expected commitment of 5 hours per week. The Rise research project will commence in end of February, with the initial analysis to be completed by early April.