Product Development in Textile and Clothing Industry

In the introduction of the course an overview of modern textile and clothing industry is given (in the context of Estonia, Europe and world). An overview of product development role in the context of economics and environment is given (including circular economy aspects in textile and clothing industry and other involved fields; environmental impact and the topic of restricted chemicals are being analysed). Market needs and marketing role from product development aspect will be observed. Different possibilities of applying different technologies and computer programmes into product development process are observed. Studies in the second half of the course are concentrated on the product development process of a certain product. Principles of product and material development in textile industry and product development in clothing industry are introduced. In the practices student will gain knowledge and skills of product development of different materials and products. Also knowledge and practical skills are given in the field of technical documentation.

NB! This course will take place in autumn semester 2025/2026 which starts on 1st of September and ends on 25th of January (you can find that information under Start date section). TalTech's timetables for Autumn semester 2025 will be published at the end of June via tunniplaan.taltech.ee. Switch the page to English and use "Search" and "Open detailed search" to find your course. NB! Some courses are taught by several lecturers during the same semester. Make sure that the course name and lecturer/teacher infromation of your course match with the information given in the Course Catalogue.

After completing this course the student:

• has an overview of modern textile and clothing industry and its role in the context of economics and environment;
• understands the role of product development in the context of production;
• understands market needs and marketing role from product development aspect;
• has an overview of product development process, including modern working environment; technologies; machinery and equipment; computer programmes;
• knows what kind of technical documentation is used in product development and production;
• is able to compose different type of technical documentation. Is able to plan and conduct product development of a certain product.

Final assessment can consist of one test/assignment or several smaller assignments completed during the whole course. After declaring a course the student can re-sit the exam/assessment once. Assessment can be graded or non-graded. For specific information about the assessment process please get in touch with the contact person of this course. For specific information about grade transfer please contact your home university

Background in textile technology or garment design

• Bubonia, J. E. Apparel Quality. A guide to evaluating sewn products. Bloomsbury Publishing Inc, 2014.
• Muthu, S. S. Assessing Environmental Impact of Textiles and the Clothing Supply Chain. Elsevier, 2020.
• Purushothama, B. Work Quality Management in the Textile Industry. WoodheadPublishing India Pvt. Ltd., 2013.

lectures, practices