Department of Design and Merchandising

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https://hdl.handle.net/10217/100392

These digital collections include datasets, theses, dissertations, faculty publications, photographs from the Firefighters Uniform Design Competition, and student fashion show videos from the Department of Design and Merchandising. Due to departmental name changes, materials from the following historical department are also included here: Department of Design, Merchandising, and Consumer Sciences.

Videos of a student fashion show held at CSU in 2001 in honor of Mr. Blackwell, one of the most important American designers to come from the West Coast, can be found in Mountain Scholar.

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A framework to guide eco-cultural interior design in adaptive reuse
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Schmidt, Alea, author; Malinin, Laura, advisor; Kwon, Jain, advisor; Valdes Vasquez, Rodolfo, committee member
As the current efforts of sustainability in the built environment shift in focus from the environment to including aspects of health and wellbeing, equity, diversity, and inclusion, there is a need to understand how these aspects connect to the concept of eco-cultural design and the role of the interior designer. This qualitative study explores the ways in which interior design has potential to contribute to eco-cultural design especially within the context of adaptive reuse. The conceptual framework for this study is informed by the concept of eco-cultural design and the coinciding assessment framework proposed by Qtaishat et al. (2020). The indicators within the main categories of the original framework were adjusted to focus on aspects that relate specifically to interior design. Purposive sampling and the content analysis of design firm websites were used to identify professionals working at the intersection of adaptive reuse, interior design, and sustainability. Nine professionals participated in open-ended, semi-structured interviews to discuss their lived experiences with interior design and adaptive reuse and how sustainability and aspects of ecocultural design are understood in the industry. The qualitative coding techniques of open coding and a priori themes were used to explore the applicability of the conceptual framework for practice, and the ways in which the roles of the interior designer relate to the different categories of eco-cultural design. The participants' experiences and insights informed the refinement of the conceptual framework toward a guideline for Eco-Cultural Interior Design, including the roles interior design professionals might play from pre-design through project administration. The findings suggest there are already efforts being made in the industry regarding aspects of eco-cultural design. However, due to the overwhelming number of terms and concepts that exist relating to sustainability, interior designers lack the language to clearly communicate with clients the value of considering aspects of eco-cultural design. The findings also suggest that the framework is more impactful when used to guide interior designers as they move through the design process, rather than as another building rating system. Instead, it may be better used to provoke critical thought regarding how to consider all dimensions of sustainability during interior design and adaptive reuse. In addition, there is potential for interior designers to have the most impact on the eco-cultural sustainability in the pre-design phases of the design process, demonstrating the importance of involving them from the start. The main contribution of this study is therefore the development of a framework to guide eco-cultural interior design in practice.
Open Access
Alan Fletcher commenting on White Tigers firefighter prototype uniform design
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-05-06) Eisele, John, photographer
Bethany Martinez (left) Tanner Landon (center) Alan Fletcher (right).
Open Access
Alan Fletcher commenting on winning firefighter prototype uniform design
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-05-06) Eisele, John, photographer
Alan Fletcher, Fire Chief Fairmount Fire Protection District, Golden, Colorado.
Open Access
Alan Fletcher commenting on winning firefighter uniform design
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-05-06) Eisele, John, photographer
Alan Fletcher, Fire Chief Fairmount Fire Protection District, Golden, Colorado.
Open Access
Alan Fletcher talking about Team Vigilante's prototype firefighter uniform project catalog
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-05-06) Eisele, John, photographer
Claudine Ong (left) Mackenzie Grieman, Miranda Ridder, Alan Fletcher, and Joe Leste.
Open Access
Alan Fletcher talking before award ceremony on May 11, 2016
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-05-11) Eisele, John, photographer
Alan Fletcher, Fire Chief Fairmount Fire Protection District, Golden, Colorado.
Open Access
An evaluation of hemp fiber for furnishing applications
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) De Miranda, DeeDee, author; Sarkar, Ajoy, advisor; Sparks, Diane, committee member; Most, David, committee member
By all accounts, petroleum resources currently used as raw material for manufacturing synthetic fibers are rapidly depleting. It is urgent that professionals in the textile industry begin to consider alternative resources for raw material used for fiber. While contemplating replacement resources it is important that sustainable, renewable and less polluting natural fibers be considered for uses hitherto dominated by synthetic fibers. Among natural fibers, the bast fiber hemp is a potential substitute due to its excellent fiber properties. In addition to its desirable textile characteristics, hemp is often praised as an excellent rotational crop requiring little use of pesticides. Historically, hemp has been used for industrial purposes including ropes, nets, paper, cloth, sails, and oil. According to recent published reports, use of hemp fiber in the furnishings market is on the rise. However, no published research has evaluated the suitability of hemp for furnishing products. Therefore, the goal of this investigation was to shed light on the viability of hemp fiber for furnishing applications via studies designed to evaluate the performance of hemp fiber towards meeting ASTM specifications for woven upholstery fabrics. The primary objective of the study was to compare and contrast the performance characteristics of 100% woven cotton and 100% woven hemp fabrics of three different weave structures with regard to colorfastness to crocking, colorfastness to light, soil release, colorfastness to water, flammability, abrasion resistance, tearing strength, breaking strength and elongation. It was found that there was no difference between cotton and hemp fabrics in terms of colorfastness to crocking; oily stain release; flammability; tearing strength; breaking strength and elongation. For colorfastness to light, the hemp fabrics in this study exhibited noticeable color change. It is suggested that an ultraviolet absorber treatment may provide enhanced resistance to color change caused by exposure to light. With regard to colorfastness to water, hemp fabrics performed satisfactorily indicating that steam cleaning of hemp furnishing fabrics in this study is not a concern. For abrasion resistance, the performance of hemp fabrics was slightly less than the cotton fabrics in the study. In conclusion, based on test results and benchmark comparisons, this study indicates that hemp is a viable fiber for use in furnishing applications. However, due to the small sample size of the study, the results cannot be extrapolated to the population of all commercially available hemp and cotton fabrics.
Open Access
An examination of participation in sneaker culture: consumer motivations and responses to co-branding between luxury apparel and athletic shoe brands - Louis Vuitton and Nike
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Shin, Donghoon, author; Hyllegard, Karen, advisor; Ogle, Jennifer, committee member; Chai, DaeSeok, committee member
This thesis investigated the phenomenon of 'sneaker culture' influence on the contemporary fashion market by examining consumer perspectives and their motivations for engaging in this subculture and by exploring their responses to the collaborative marketing strategy called co-branding. This research examined the co-branding of luxury apparel brands and athletic shoe/sportswear brands through the collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Nike. This research was guided by the lens of fandom and participatory culture, and it employed an inductive approach to draw general conclusions from specific observations (i.e., interviews). This study was conducted by interviewing 'sneakerheads' who were expected to be particularly interested in this collaboration between luxury and athletic brands. Through a qualitative research method, this study provides insight into consumers' (i.e., sneakerheads) perceptions of the value of this type of co-branding. Findings also provide insights for fashion companies to understand the specific motivations of consumers who participate in sneaker culture and their behavior/response (i.e., consumer attitudes and purchase intentions) to co-branding between luxury brands and athletic shoe/sportswear brands.
Open Access
An exploratory investigation of the decision processes and psychographic characteristics of fast versus slow fashion consumers
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Zarley, Maegan, author; Yan, Ruoh-Nan, advisor; Tremblay, Kenneth R., committee member; Gilliland, David, committee member
The purpose of the present study was to explore the differences between fast fashion and slow fashion consumers in regards to their consumer decision process stages (i.e., purchase/consumption, post-consumption evaluation, and divestment). More specifically, the objectives of this study are threefold. First, this study attempts to characterize fast (vs. slow) fashion consumers by potentially defining them based on their decision-making characteristics and perceptions of fast (vs. slow) fashion. Second, this study investigates whether fast fashion and slow fashion consumers differentiate on the consumer decision process stages and several psychographic dimensions (i.e., fashion orientation, conspicuous consumption, and self construal). Finally, this study proposes two scales to quantitatively measure fast fashion and slow fashion consumers, which will allow for these consumers to be characterized based on their decision-making. The consumer decision process (CDP) model is used as the theoretical foundation for the study. The key areas under evaluation in this study are purchase/consumption, post-consumption evaluation, and divestment. A mixed method research design was utilized for this study. The researcher distributed surveys and proctored focus groups to profile fast fashion consumers and created a quantitative means to measure consumers' tendency to consume fast (vs. slow) fashion. An exploratory mixed method design with a concurrent nested strategy was implemented. Thirty-eight female participants with a mean age of 21.2 were recruited. Three groups of themes emerged based on the purchase and post-purchase stages of the CDP model. Results show that participants were different based on those themes, but not different on the psychographic variables explored. The results of this research procured definitions for both slow fashion and fast fashion consumers. Future research can continue to explore fast (vs. slow) fashion consumers during all seven stages of the consumer decision process model. Theoretical and managerial implications and limitations of the study are discussed.
Open Access
Analysis of body armor fit and comfort using 3D body scanning: a case study with an industry partner
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Conroy, Brittany L. W., author; Park, Juyeon, advisor; Li, Yan, committee member; Hess, Ann Marie, committee member
This study adopted a single case study approach to evaluate the fit and comfort of a company's body armor product, and improve the design of the product. To achieve this goal, I developed a mixed-methods strategy driven by the co-design paradigm and operated it in the three-stage product development process. A total of 13 individuals including five police officers and seven company employees participated in the study as collaborators for the product evaluation and development process. The police officers –actual users of the product – were recruited as external collaborators through the case company, and asked to participate in a series of data collection methods including the pre-survey, 3D body scanning, occupational task analysis, and exit interviews to provide holistic user feedback on the product. The company employees – developers of the product – were interviewed to share the insider's perspectives as internal collaborators. As results, key areas of interaction between the body and the vest were identified during Stage 1 (Problem Definition and Research), which subsequently informed the creative design and prototyping process in Stage 2 (Creative Exploration and Evaluation). During Stage 3 (Implementation), final recommendations and plans for implementation were developed with the case company. The outcome of this research is expected to benefit the case company who manufactures the body armor product, as well as police officers who wear it in the line of occupational duty, as the resulting product will offer better fit for their body and be more comfortable to wear.
Open Access
Anthropometric fit evaluation of structural firefighters' protective pants: a gender comparison study
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2014) Langseth-Schmidt, Kirian, author; Park, Juyeon, advisor; Li, Yan Vivian, committee member; Rosecrance, John, committee member
This study identified fit issues associated with the female firefighter's station and turnout pants, in comparison to male firefighters. Fifteen firefighters (9 females, 6 males) participated in a multi-dimensional fit evaluation protocol; including a survey, 3D body scanning, joint angle measurement and an exit interview. Female firefighters showed, through the survey, significantly lower ratings on overall satisfaction, comfort, mobility, and performance of their protective pants. Anthropometric data, generated from 3D body scanning, confirmed a congruent trend of the fit issues to the survey data. The joint angle measurement determined decreased range of motion (ROM) for females during simulated occupational activities. Results affirmed that female firefighters experience poorer fit and a higher level of discomfort than male firefighters, while wearing uniform pants designed for the male physique. This study suggests important implications to the firefighting industry, policy makers, and researchers involved in improving protective clothing to enhance occupational safety of firefighters.
Open Access
Associate Professor Juyeon Park talking to students about their presentations
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-05-06) Eisele, John, photographer
Juyeon Park, Associate Professor, Department of Design & Merchandising.
Open Access
Bacterial culture components activating colorimetric transition in polydiacetylene nanofiber composites
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2020) Bhattacharjee, Abhishek, author; Li, Yan Vivian, advisor; Gentry-Weeks, Claudia, committee member; Diddi, Sonali, committee member
Polydiacetylene (PDA) demonstrates colorimetric transition behaviors due to conformational changes in π conjugated backbone of PDA macromolecules at external stimuli of bacteria, suggesting potential applications in biosensors. However, the bacterial culture components activating colorimetric transition in PDAs are still undetermined due to the complexity of the bacterial system. In this study, PU-PDA nanofiber composite was prepared via electrospinning and tested with components from Escherichia coli (E. coli) culture including supernatant fluid, cell pellet, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). When PU-PDA nanofiber was tested with supernatant fluid, it changed color from blue to red. In contrast, bacterial cell pellets could not induce a color change, suggesting the color-changing substances (CCS) are not cell-associated, rather can be found in the spent media (supernatant fluid) generated by E. coli during its growth phase. Intense color change in the nanofiber by the autoclaved supernatant fluid indicated that the CCS may not be a protein, DNA, or RNA since they denature in high heat and pressure from the autoclaving process. With an increase in storage time of the supernatant fluid, the color-changing rate was reduced significantly, suggesting a degradation in CCS with time. Free EPS from the supernatant fluid could induce a color change in the nanofibers, which confirmed that EPS contains the CCS. No significant changes were found in the morphology of PU-PDA nanofibers before and after the exposure of E. coli culture components. Critical bacterial concentration (CBC) was found approximately 9 × 108 CFU/ml, suggesting the efficiency of the PU-PDA nanofiber composite to be used as a biosensor. Additionally, solvatochromism of the nanofiber composite was investigated using organic solvents commonly used in extracting bacterial culture components. The results from this study provided a guideline for using PU-PDA nanofiber composite as a biosensor in point-of-care applications.
Open Access
Beautiful connections: Maridadi Fabrics, Jack Lenor Larsen, and the East African Kanga
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2003) Logan, Trisha Green, author; Sanders, Eulanda A., advisor; Carlson, Linda, advisor; Coronel, Patricia, committee member
This research examined the Maridadi textile collection housed in the Historic Costume and Textiles Collection in the Department of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University (CSU). The researcher hoped to develop a new understanding of Maridadi textile designs utilizing Stuart Smith's "Material History Methodology" (1985), Ann Marie Fiore and Patricia Anne Kimle's Understanding Aesthetics for the Design and Merchandising Professional (1997), and Marilyn Revell Delong's The Way We Look (1987). The textile designs were placed within the context of both design cultures from which they stem, those of Kenya and the U.S. Specific design elements such as the binary themes (DeLong, 1998) of figure-ground integrated/figure-ground separated, and determinate/ indeterminate were analyzed. Design elements also considered include mono-chromatic and chromatic colors as well as organic and geometric shapes (Fiore and Kimle, 1997). The designs were also examined by looking closely at their Material, Construction, Provenance, Function, and Value (Smith, 1985). By comparing the textile designs of the Larsen Design Studio and the kanga designs of Kenya in the late 1960s the research addressed the issue of the social time in which the Maridadi textiles were produced. A random sample of thirty-four Maridadi textiles, eleven kanga, and seventeen images of the Larsen Design Studio textiles was used in the research. The content analysis method was used in the examination of the Maridadi textiles. Three trained coders (researcher, one professor, and a graduate student) identified where on a continuum a textile artifact lands between the binary themes from DeLong (1998) and Fiore and Kimle (1997). The Smith (1985) model for studying material culture was also be used to analyze the Maridadi textiles. The traditional Kenyan textile, the kanga, and the textile designs of the Larsen Design Studio were used as comparative data. The researcher identified where each of the thirty-four textile samples landed on the continuum between the binary themes. The number of times that each continuum between the themes was landed on was calculated. After all thirty-four textile samples were analyzed by all three coders using the Smith (1985) model and compared with the textiles of the Larsen Design Studio, and the traditional textile, the kanga, by the researcher only, the information was carefully scrutinized. Themes such as specific materials, color palettes, and construction methods, were extracted from the information and grouped and restructured.
Open Access
Behaviorally annotated plans: beyond the presentation technique
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1998) Smaglik, Julie Ann, author; Birdsong, Craig W., advisor; Tremblay, Kenneth R., Jr., committee member; Loomis, Ross J., committee member
This research study investigated the use of behaviorally annotated plans as a technique for communicating research findings, enhancing design solutions, and increasing the awareness of designers toward the behavioral implications of their design solutions. This technique incorporates interior floor plans (or other design drawings) with written text (annotations) referring to human behavior in the environment. It is well suited as an aid in communication for designers who tend to be highly visual and their clients who tend to be more familiar with text than with design drawings as it brings together both visual and verbal methods of communication. Traditionally, behaviorally annotated plans are primarily reserved for the final communication of research findings in the presentation stage of the design process. This thesis proposes uses for behaviorally annotated plans beyond presentation. The four objectives of this study were to (1) determine the state of the use of behaviorally annotated plans within interior design, (2) determine the elements utilized within behaviorally annotated plans, (3) devise a method for incorporation of behaviorally annotated plan into various stages of the design process, and (4) describe the benefits of this incorporation. Content analysis was utilized to review publications relating to interior design and environmental design research retrieved by a keyword search. These publications, as well as three major journals, two professional organizations' conference proceedings, and five introductory interior design textbooks were examined for definitions, procedures, and uses of behavioral plan annotation. Findings were integrated with a five stage design process (programming, schematic design, design development/presentation, implementation, and evaluation) for incorporating behaviorally annotated plans at various stages of design. During the programming stage, inclusion of behavioral information enhances the program by supplementing the physical requirements with behavioral requirements. Together, these requirements provide direction for developing alternative solutions in the schematic design phase. In the schematic design stage, the inclusion of behaviorally annotated plans aids discovery and decision-making by bringing attention to what is known and unknown regarding expected behaviors for the space. It also acts as a tool for exchanging information among design team members. In the design development/presentation stage, inclusion of behavioral annotations enhances the presentation by clearly communicating environmental design research and involves the client in feedback and decision-making processes. Inclusion of a behaviorally annotated plan in the implementation phase provides communication of the behavioral intent of the space to parties not previously included and serves as an orientation tool for personnel when provided in training materials. Results of post-occupancy evaluation benefit both the client and the designer. The client is able to make improvements to the space based upon the results of the study, and the designer can build on this knowledge in designing similar interior environments. Recommendations were presented for the use of behaviorally annotated plans in interior design education and practice, and in further research.
Open Access
Body and the senses in spatial experience: the implications of kinesthetic and synesthetic perceptions for design thinking
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2022-04-07) Kwon, Jain, author; Iedema, Alyssa, author; Frontiers in Psychology, publisher
Human perception has long been a critical subject of design thinking. While various studies have stressed the link between thinking and acting, particularly in spatial experience, the term "design thinking" seems to disconnect conceptual thinking from physical expression or process. Spatial perception is multimodal and fundamentally bound to the body that is not a mere receptor of sensory stimuli but an active agent engaged with the perceivable environment. The body apprehends the experience in which one's kinesthetic engagement and knowledge play an essential role. Although design disciplines have integrated the abstract, metaphoric, and visual aspects of the body and its movement into conceptual thinking, studies have pointed out that design disciplines have emphasized visuality above the other sensory domains and heavily engaged with the perception of visual configurations, relying on the Gestalt principles. Gestalt psychology must be valued for its attention to a whole. However, the theories of design elements and principles over-empathizing such visuality posit the aesthetics of design mainly as visual value and understate other sensorial and perceptual aspects. Although the visual approach may provide a practical means to represent and communicate ideas, a design process heavily driven by visuality can exhibit weaknesses undermining certain aspects of spatial experience despite the complexity. Grounded in Merleau-Ponty's notion of multisensory perception, this article discusses the relationship between body awareness and spatial perception and its implication for design disciplines concerning built environments. Special attention is given to the concepts of kinesthetic and synesthetic phenomena known as multisensory and cross-sensory, respectively. This discussion integrates the corporeal and spatiotemporal realms of human experience into the discourse of kinesthetic and synesthetic perceptions. Based on the conceptual, theoretical, and precedent analyses, this article proposes three models for design thinking: Synesthetic Translation, Kinesthetic Resonance, and Kinesthetic Engagement. To discuss the concepts rooted in action-based perception and embodied cognition, this study borrows the neurological interpretation of haptic perception, interoception, and proprioception of space. This article suggests how consideration of the kinesthetic or synesthetic body can deepen and challenge the existing models of the perceptual aspects of environmental psychology adopted in design disciplines.
Open Access
Challenges and solutions of sustainable apparel product development: a case study of Eileen Fisher
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Curwen, Lisa G., author; Sarkar, Ajoy, advisor; Park, Juyeon, committee member; Golicic, Susan, committee member
This paper reports on a case study of the product development experience of an apparel firm's sustainable sweater program. The three-fold purpose of this study is to document current challenges the firm experienced, discover product development strategies that were implemented in fulfilling its sustainable business goals, and determine the principles guiding the design team and its interaction within the upstream supply chain. The case company is Eileen Fisher, a brand name international women's fashion apparel firm which is committed to social and environmental initiatives. Data were collected from thirteen in-depth interviews conducted with members of the case company and its vendors. Secondary data analysis from the case company's website and archival records provided supplementary information. The qualitative data were analyzed with the use of NVivo9 software. The study identified five challenges encountered by the Eileen Fisher design team in developing its organic and fair trade cotton sweater program which include concerns with perceived value, process timing, quality standards, supplier capacity, and price. Corresponding solutions that were put into place include heightening creativity and innovation, optimizing timing and resources, interfacing hands-on "upstream", managing relationships responsibly and for the long term, and making trade-offs based on cost and values. Furthermore, the study identified five principles which guided the design team and its interaction within the upstream supply chain for sustainable design practices; they are the prerequisite of a company mandate, match of core values, gathering and diffusion of information, cross-functional organization to support sustainability initiatives, and the significance of the supply chain arrangement. This study hopes to provide guidance for apparel manufacturers and suppliers for surmounting the challenges facing product development of sustainable apparel products.
Open Access
Collaborative product development: examining the development of a nursing sports bra
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Morris, Kristen D., author; Sarkar, Ajoy, advisor; Park, Juyeon, committee member; Sparks, Diane, committee member; Banning, James, committee member
To view the abstract, please see the full text of the document.
Open Access
Colorfastness properties of persimmon dye on cotton and wool substrates
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2014) Malensek, Nicholas, author; Li, Yan Vivian, advisor; Miller, Nancy, advisor; Kissell, Kevin, committee member; Hess, Ann, committee member
Persimmon dye is a natural dye that imparts unique properties, including fungal resistance and water resistance. This study investigated persimmon dye's performance on cotton and wool fabric. Color strength and appearance of dyed cotton and wool fabrics at various dyeing conditions (mordanting order, dye concentration, and dyeing time length) were evaluated. Dyed fabrics had high color strength when using a mordant. Color strength on dyed cotton and wool increased with increased dye concentration and dyeing time. In this study, post-mordanting, 200% dye concentration, and 60 minutes dyeing length yielded the highest color strength for cotton and wool. These samples were then assessed using AATCC laundering, perspiration, and crocking colorfastness tests. Cotton samples received a 2-3 to 4 shade change rating, while wool received a 3 to 4 depending on the test. Cotton and wool samples received a 4 to 5 staining rating except in crocking, where they received a 2-3 and 3, respectively. FTIR analysis showed that the persimmon dye formed weak bonds on both fabrics, resulting in minimal chemical changes. The results suggest that natural persimmon dye can provide good colorfastness and minimal chemical changes on wool and cotton. The comparison between dyed cotton and wool suggests wool fabric is better suited for persimmon dye application than cotton because of its slightly better colorfastness ratings and significantly higher color strength.
Open Access
Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial properties and durability to laundering of selected antimicrobial agents on a hospital textile
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Sargur Ranganath, Anupama, author; Sarkar, Ajoy K., advisor; Park, Juyeon, committee member; Mallette, Dawn M., committee member
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA estimates that approximately 1.7 million Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) and 99,000 associated deaths occur each year on account of infection-causing bacteria. Hence, the control of infections has been identified as the most important target by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. HAIs can be minimized by inhibiting the various routes of transmission of bacteria. Textile substrates have been implicated as one of the vectors of transmission of disease. The spread of infection causing bacteria via textile materials is inhibited by the use of antimicrobial treated textiles. Based on an exhaustive literature review on antimicrobial textiles, it was found that a majority of the research conducted to-date has focused on synthesizing and evaluating uniquely distinct antimicrobial agents on different textile substrates with the main aim of proving their effectiveness against microbes. Very few studies have concentrated on comparing the durability to laundering and antimicrobial efficacy of different agents on a specific substrate against target challenge microorganisms. The present research compared the efficacy and durability to laundering of five antimicrobial agents of distinctive antimicrobial chemistries and modes of action on a polyester-cotton substrate. The antimicrobial agents were based on silver, triclosan, QAC, PHMB and chitosan. The challenge microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus, a gram positive bacterium and Escherichia coli, a gram negative bacterium. Specimen samples of the polyester-cotton substrate treated with the antimicrobial agents were subjected to a maximum of fifty wash cycles and subsequently evaluated using standard qualitative and quantitative test methods. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis of the treated and laundered substrates was done to study the difference in topography of the substrates. Statistical analysis for comparing the antimicrobial properties and durability to laundering of the antimicrobial treated fabrics was done using Statistical Analysis System. Qualitative results showed that the triclosan-based antimicrobial agent had superior durability to laundering than the other controlled release antimicrobial agents in this study. SEM analysis of the treated and laundered substrates at ten and fifty wash cycles revealed no visible differences in the topography of the specimen samples. In agreement with qualitative data, quantitative results indicated that triclosan was most effective against both E.coli and S. aureus after fifty wash cycles. Silver, QAC, PHMB and chitosan had higher efficacy against S. aureus than against E.coli. The antimicrobial action of silver, QAC, PHMB and chitosan decreased with increase in number of laundry cycles and the decrease was more pronounced against E.coli.