Researcher’s work to support new moms leads to ISU’s first-ever apparel design patent

02/03/2025
Ling Zhang, right, Associate Head Professor in the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management, and her Ph.D. student Li (Lily) Jiang. Dr. Zhang, with Jiang’s assistance, recently received ISU’s first-ever apparel design patent for a Fit Adjustable Nursing Bra – U.S. Patent No. US D1,051,551 S. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.(Christopher Gannon/Iowa State University)

Associate professor Ling Zhang’s innovative, multi-layered maternity garment recently earned an apparel design patent, marking a first for the ISU Research Foundation. Zhang was inspired to create better maternity and nursing garments after her own struggles as a new mom. The patent will now serve as a foundational element of her startup company.

“It became clear to me that the maternity industry was falling short, and I thought I might be able to use my research in functional apparel design to create something better for new moms.” Ling Zhang, Apparel, Events and Hospitality Management.

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