USER KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE ON THE EXISTING BATIK FABRIC LAYOUT FOR WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Abstract

Batik fabric holds a significant cultural and historical place in Malaysia, and its incorporation into women's clothing has evolved over time. The research investigates the user knowledge and experience among individuals who are not in the fashion, batik, or tailoring fields with regard to current batik fabric layouts for women's clothes. A quantitative survey was conducted involving 50 respondents with no professional background in fashion, batik, or tailoring. The questionnaire consisted of five sections covering general knowledge, layout understanding, clothing preferences, and user experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean scores, via SPSS software. The findings indicate that a majority of respondents lacked knowledge of batik fabric measurements and layout placement, with 44 out of 50 respondents unaware of the two main layout types (general placement and full-pattern layout). Mean score analysis revealed moderate understanding of motif positioning on garments (M = 3.44), but lower comprehension of bodice and skirt arrangement (M = 3.14). Respondents showed a higher preference for baju kurung moden (M = 3.86) and reported frequent issues related to motif cut-off and inaccurate placement during garment construction. The results highlight the need for clearer and more structured batik fabric layouts, including improved motif placement, sizing guidance, and cutting references. Such improvements could enhance user understanding, reduce fabric wastage, and support better garment construction practices. This study contributes novel insights by focusing on non-industry users’ perspectives, an area that remains underexplored in batik research. The findings offer practical value for designers, batik producers, and educators by informing the development of more user-friendly and sustainable batik fabric layout designs for women’s clothing in Malaysia.