parsons designs the future of hospital gowns in collaboration with care + wear

in partnership with students from parsons school of design, healthwear company care and wear has created a hospital gown in a kimono-inspired style. opening in the front, the gown has a shielding pleat in the back and replaces five types of gowns with one.

images courtesy of care + wear

designed by care + wear in collaboration with students from parsons, the light blue gown comprises a cotton and polyester blend. it allows for partial exposure through the use of ties and snaps and easily ties on both sides of the body, one inside and one outside. wide sleeves allow the upper arms to be easily exposed when an IV is needed whilst a front pocket offers entry for devices that monitor vital signs. side pockets have also been incorporated for patient’s personal items.

‘trying to design one universal gown to fit all needs is a big task but it’s an exiting task from a design point,’ course professor at parsons, brittany dickinson commented. meanwhile student molly bonnell explained, ‘you have to think about how the laundry will affect the transportation which will affect how the patient interacts which will affect the doctor.’

and the reinterpreted design is now being tested by 10-hospital nonprofit health care system, medstar. the company is testing the gown at one of its smaller community hospitals, the montgomery medical center in olney, md. if successful the gown could be used in other locations across america, meanwhile it is also be available on the care and wear website for $45.