soundscape of rainwear

Clothing as instruments we can tune

By examining clothing in the context of use I started to understand clothes as an interface between us and our external environment. They can connect, protect, but also disconnect us from our environment.

 Sound recording is a method that I used to explore this. In the example below the calming soundscape and landscape of nature transforms through the act of dressing and the act of wearing plastic rainwear.

Sound recording by Mona Hynne in Ora Studio, Trondeim. Accompanying video by Anders Myklebust.

You have the kinaesthetic tactile and sonic sensations of the plastic fabric as you walk. Layered with the Velcro, the zips, the buttons, the toggles. If we take the example of putting up the hood it blocks out the environment and intensifies the sound of the rain. For some this can be overwhelming, unsettling. But for others, it is an invitation to go inwards, reconnect with themselves. The rhythmical pitter-patter is soothing.

The comfort, or discomfort, of this sensory experience might change depending on the mood of the wearer, the social encounter and context of use. This composition of the melody of the clothing details and choreography of the moving fabric must be in harmony with both the wearer’s external environment but also their internal emotional state.

As designers we are always composing and choreographing sensory clothing experiences. We must approach clothes as instruments that people can tune to support their dynamic emotional and physical needs.