Working on a definition

I've been blocking out school for a little bit. I haven't gone on any of my class's blogs and I haven't looked at the wiki. When I get in this kind of mood it's dangerous. So I made an effort to get myself back in the game. Scary. But I loved looking at people’s blogs and tried to leave a few comments, because they always help me alot. That's what's so good about this kind of work because you're not working on your own; you can see what everyone's doing and interact.

I'm having trouble trying to narrow my definition. I was lying awake one night, thinking about the responses from my questionarre and I couldn't help but think, 'well how can you define something that means something completely different to everyone?'.

When I wrote A garment is...
There were so many different responses.
People studying the course gave the regular answers...something that can cover..blah blah blah
People who didn't study the course gave simpler answers.. a lace dress, a silk jacket, things I wish I could afford, a piece of clothing, something you wear.

Maybe I'm looking for an answer that is as simple as a garment is something you wear? But again that definition could change based on a lot of variables.

Going through a couple of readings I was thinking that every garment could be described differently, so maybe you design the definition of every garment you make?
Everything garment is different-and maybe means something different to each person. As a start I’d thought I’d go through the pieces in my wardrobe I love the most.


Lover Leather Jacket-
Definition- A cropped jacket with collar, metal zips down the centre, at cuffs and on the front with pockets. Rows of stitching details along the hem and cuff.
My definition- A jacket I blew my budget on because I love the label and the simple design of the jacket. I wear it everywhere, mostly to Uni, going out and dressing up an outfit. I instantly feel cooler when I wear this jacket.


Leggings-
Definition-Black leggings with stirrups made from a Ponti fabric that hugs the body when worn.
My Definition- The warmest pair of leggings I own, I bought two of them they were so good. They’re a cross between pants and leggings really.

Sister’s Trackies-
Definition- A loose style of track pants made from a brushed knit. Elastic waistband and zips on the hem of the pant to get of easily.
My Defintion- The comfiest tracksuits we own, often causes fights because both my sister and I want to wear them. They are a staple all year around, especially when I can’t be bothered thinking of what to wear. In a word comfort ‘garmentafied’!


Navy Coat-
Definition- A slightly worn woolen navy coat that is fitted around the chest then falls away from the body and finishes mid thigh. Sleeves are ¾ length and the lining has a cream and navy stripe running though it.
My definition- My navy coat that I found in an op-shop and fitted like a glove. I changed the buttons and always get people commenting on it. Slightly worn but you can’t tell too much.


Jeans-
Definition- Skinny leg, light wash women’s jean.
My Definition- Comfy jeans that I’ve worn in. I’ve bought a lot of expensive jeans but for some reason I keep coming back to my cheapo jeans that lost their shape in the first couple of wears.

If someone looked at these definitions separately it may not mean they are describing the same garment. My definition is much more personal and even though the first definition is what each garment translates to in language; it is far from what they mean to me. So after all this my point is this; if designing is creating the definition-surely I can have more fun creating a definition from scratch for someone or myself than trying to define the impossible-a garment??