Afraid to go into STEM because it might mean giving up your sense of style in exchange for a white lab coat? Not even close to the truth! In fact, with a STEM degree, you could engineer the next big thing in fashion.
In fact, with a STEM degree, you could engineer the next big thing in fashion. In fact, at most colleges, Fashion or textiles falls under the Department of Agriculture because of textile design.
Science, technology, engineering, and math have more to do with the clothing, shoes, and jewelry than you might have ever realized.
Chemistry
Materials used for making fabric are composed of molecules, atoms, and chemical compounds. With some knowledge in chemistry, a STEMer may just develop a new type of material that changes the runway. Maybe it’s a luxury fabric or perhaps it can keep people warm without being too heavy…people would definitely pay top dollar for that in the winter! Chemistry is also important to understanding dyeing fabrics different colors.
Material Science
Fashion designers have to understand how fabrics are developed. Some are natural, some are synthetic, and all are more complicated to make into clothes than you’d imagine.
Geology
Where do you think early makeup came from? Historians have found evidence of cosmetics dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece where people used minerals and stones to paint their faces.
Technology
Fashion designers frequently use computer programs in the beginning stages of design. Computers make trying out different ideas a lot easier than sketching with pencil and paper. In addition, a lot of technology comes in the form of accessories nowadays. You’ve heard of smart watches, but once the technology has been mastered, fashionistas will seek stylish ways to wear their new wrist candy.
Mathematics
Cutting and sewing material takes meticulous measuring. Even a couple centimeters off can make or break an outfit. Ratios and proportions are important to understand to ensure clothes flatter a body, and algebra is needed to figure out pricing of garments.
So, Elle Woods, you might just have to double major in fashion merchandising and STEM!
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