Revitalizing Minority Indigenous Textile Heritage through Contemporary School Uniform Design for Cultural Sustainability

The study sought to develop contemporary school uniforms using Etulo traditional attire, determine the practical suitability, assess the aesthetic appeal, examine the cultural significance, and determine the general acceptability. A Research and Development (R&D) design was adopted, involving concept development, garment design, construction, and product validation. Authentic Etulo traditional fabric was strategically incorporated into contemporary school uniforms through collars, sleeve bands, pockets, front panels, cuffs, plackets, waistbands, and decorative sections while retaining its traditional patterns. Twenty judges evaluated the developed uniforms using a structured four-point scale of preference covering practical suitability, aesthetic appeal, cultural significance, and general acceptability. The Uniform was presented as Plate1 while quantitative data were analyzed using means, with a criterion mean of 2.50. The results showed high ratings across all attributes. Practical suitability recorded a cluster mean of 3.92, with individual means ranging from 3.86 to 4.00, indicating that the uniforms were comfortable, easy to wear, suitable for school activities, and appropriate for local climatic conditions. Aesthetic appeal recorded a cluster mean of 3.93, with means ranging from 3.86 to 4.00. Strategic placement of Etulo fabric received the highest mean of 4.00, demonstrating its contribution to the beauty and uniqueness of the uniforms. Cultural significance recorded a cluster mean of 3.94, with reflection of cultural identity and preservation of the uniqueness of Etulo traditional attire each scoring 4.00. General acceptability recorded a cluster mean of 3.94, indicating favorable perceptions regarding suitability, adoption, acceptance, and satisfaction. All items exceeded the 2.50 criterion mean. The findings demonstrate that integrating authentic Etulo textile into contemporary school uniforms successfully combined indigenous cultural expression with modern functional and aesthetic requirements. The high ratings suggest that school uniforms can provide a practical platform for increasing the visibility, appreciation, and transmission of minority textile heritage among younger generations. The study concludes that contemporary school uniform design offers a viable pathway for cultural revitalization and sustainability. It recommends collaboration among designers, schools, textile producers, educators, cultural organizations, and community leaders to promote the preservation and contemporary application of Etulo textile heritage.