Iowa State University Apparel Guide: Branding, Style, and Academic Resources

Iowa State University (ISU) has a rich heritage as a land-grant university, and its brand strategy reflects its mission of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. This guide provides information on ISU's brand identity, apparel options for employees, academic resources for Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) students, and a glimpse into the diverse range of apparel available for students, alumni, and fans.

Understanding the Iowa State University Brand

A brand is more than just a logo or a slogan; it’s the feeling and perception someone has based on their experiences with an organization. The Iowa State brand aims to embody the university's welcoming environment, where individuals are encouraged to share ideas and collaborate. "Innovate at Iowa State" serves as a central message, connecting the university's offerings across departments and colleges.

Iowa State strives for consistency and clarity in its communications, recognizing that its audiences often overlap. The same person might be a parent of a prospective student, a graduate, a legislator, a donor, or an employer of ISU graduates. Therefore, consistent messaging across all university materials, whether from admissions, the alumni association, or individual colleges, is crucial. The university relies on resources like The Chicago Manual of Style and The Associated Press Stylebook to ensure consistent writing across campus and external communications.

Employee Apparel Guidelines

Employee apparel serves as a visual representation of an individual's connection to their unit and the university as a whole. Iowa State provides guidelines to ensure a unified and professional image.

Color Palette

Color is a powerful identifier for the university. Employee apparel should primarily be cardinal red (Pantone 186c). University gold (Pantone 142c), white, wheat, and denim are also approved colors. Using colors associated with other higher education institutions in Iowa is discouraged. While gold is a primary color, using black or a black and gold combination is not permitted.

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Approved Designs

There are four different options for employee shirts and caps, with designs suitable for regular shirts, polos, jackets, vests, and caps. Shirt designs can be embroidered or screen printed, while cap designs are embroidered.

Academic Resources for Fashion Design and Merchandising Students

This LibGuide is specifically designed for students in the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program, also known as Apparel, Merchandising and Design (AMD), particularly those in graduate-level courses. It directs students to various resources and services, including core library holdings and reputable external sources.

Key Resources

Books & Reference Resources: This section allows users to browse recently added books to the library's collections.
Journals, Articles & Conference Proceedings: This section provides access to the latest articles from relevant journals.

Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) Program Overview

Administered by the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management (AESHM), the FDM program requires a total of 123 credits for graduation, including a minimum of 18 credits in FDM at Iowa State University (12 of which must be at the 3000-4000 level). All FDM, AESHM, EVENT, and HSPM courses, including transfer credits, must be completed with a C- or better. Furthermore, students must earn a C or better in ENGL 1500 and ENGL 2500.

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The FDM major offers a broad-based program of study with flexibility in creating individualized program options. Courses cover general education, the apparel industry professional core, and provide knowledge about textiles, apparel, and related products. The curriculum emphasizes scientific, technical, and humanistic knowledge applicable to the development and use of apparel and textile products by individuals, families, and institutions. The program also provides a foundation for graduate study.

Program Goals

Graduates of the FDM program will:

Understand the production, distribution, and use of textiles and apparel.
Demonstrate aesthetic expression and communication skills.
Be prepared to plan, develop, source, and present textile and apparel products to meet consumer needs.
Understand how textiles and apparel are essential in meeting individual and societal needs.
Understand the interdependence of nations and cultures as producers and consumers.
Understand diverse philosophies of scholarship and apply multiple methods to creative activity, research, and teaching.
Accept positions relevant to their academic experience.
Be prepared to adapt to future changes in their professions and to provide leadership in professional and public practice.

Program Options

The FDM major offers several specialized options:

Creative and Technical Design: This option focuses on the aesthetic and creative aspects of design, technical design, costuming, textile design, and product development.
Fashion Communications: This option prepares students for the development and delivery of visual, written, and oral communication, with career opportunities in visual merchandising, styling, fashion influencing, and social media.

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Product Development and Innovation: This option is suited for students interested in developing innovative products for special markets, including accessories, footwear, performance wear, smart textiles, functional apparel, and soft goods for home. Career opportunities include designer, materials testing, quality assurance, and technical design.
Merchandising and Retail Analytics: This option prepares students for the planning, promotion, and presentation of market-oriented product lines and events.

Concurrent and Graduate Programs

The FDM program offers a concurrent B.S. and M.S. degree, allowing students to earn both degrees in five years. Application to the Graduate College should be made in the junior year. Graduate programs include Master of Science (thesis and non-thesis options; on-campus and hybrid) and Doctor of Philosophy (on-campus and distance hybrid) with a major in apparel, merchandising, and design. The field of study is highly interdisciplinary, and programs are tailored to students' backgrounds and interests.

Textile Science and Product Performance Minor

The Textile Science and Product Performance minor is designed to provide students with expertise in the scientific, innovative, evaluative, technological, and performative aspects of textiles. It consists of 17 credits, including 14 credits distributed over four required classes. Six of the nine required 3000-4000 level credits in the minor must be taken at Iowa State University.

Cyclone Apparel: A Glimpse into Fan Fashion

Iowa State University offers a wide variety of apparel for students, alumni, and fans. The ISU Book Store provides a comprehensive selection, ranging from everyday wear to game-day attire.

Hats

Canvas Trucker Hat: This hat features an adjustable snapback closure for a secure and customized fit.
Foam Trucker Hat: This trendy hat combines a foam front panel with a breathable mesh back for lightweight wearability.
Canvas Dad Hat: A classic and timeless option.
Corduroy Baseball Hat: Made from premium corduroy fabric for a soft and luxurious feel.

Tops

Oversized Fleece Crewneck: An oversized fit for comfort and style.
Cropped Long Sleeve Crewneck: A GDS favorite with a raw hem and dropped shoulder.
Comfort Tee: A classic unisex fit made from soft-to-the-touch fabric.
Turtleneck Sweater: A soft and comfortable sweater.
Oversized Mock Neck: An elevated sweatshirt with an oversized fit and mock neck.
Cropped Cuffed Tee: A girly and cute tee with cuffed sleeves and a cropped bottom.

Other Apparel and Accessories

The ISU Book Store also offers a wide range of other apparel and accessories, including:

Bottoms (Men's, Women's, and Kids')
Formal Wear
Outerwear
Sweatshirts
T-Shirts
Infants' and Kids' Apparel
Caps and Hats
Cold Weather Gear
Socks
Ties and Belts
Pets' Apparel
Accessories (Jewelry, Glasses, Keychains, Lanyards, Magnets)
Bags and Backpacks

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