Long Covid is the result of lasting effects from the Covid 19 pandemic. These symptoms range from person to person, with the most common side effects being fatigue, muscle cramps and many more (Adjaye-Gbewonyo, 2023). Females are more likely to suffer from long COVID than males, with it affecting the 35-49 age group more than those over 65 and under 34 (Adjaye-Gbewonyo, 2023). Not only are females more likely to have long Covid, but they are also more likely to still have symptoms that affect their day-to-day lives (Adjaye-Gbewonyo, 2023). Those suffering with long Covid’s symptoms can continue to increase and develop months after having Covid, and continue on for long periods of time (Adjaye-Gbewonyo, 2023). When looking at “adults with family incomes at 400% or more of the federal poverty level were less likely than those with family incomes at 200%–399% to ever have or currently have Long Covid” (Adjaye-Gbewonyo, 2023). Those living in large metropolitan areas are less likely to have long Covid than those who live in small towns (Adjaye-Gbewonyo, 2023). All of these figures are based on the US only. In this interview with City News and JD from Montreal, she describes what her life has been like living with long Covid (Montrealer describes living with long Covid for the past five years, 2025). Due to her condition, she is no longer able to work and struggles to go to social events, while driving can drain her energy for days (Montrealer describes living with long Covid for the past five years, 2025). JD was healthy and athletic before having long Covid in 2020, and now experiences depression and deals with anxiety daily, dealing with these symptoms to this day (Montrealer describes living with long Covid for the past five years, 2025). After doing daily tasks, the exertion is heightened with head-to-toe pains (Montrealer describes living with long Covid for the past five years, 2025). Many have similar experiences to JD and suffer from the same, if not some of her symptoms. JD’s experience helps show what daily life is like living with Long Covid, and by doing her interview, she has helped many understand what it is like to live with (Montrealer describes living with long Covid for the past five years, 2025).
Long Covid is defined as a chronic illness, and the symptoms are very irregular and appear randomly (Bai, 2021). For the purpose of this project, I will be focusing on some of the main symptoms that people suffer from, which are extreme tiredness, feeling lightheaded, taste, small problems, and temperature regulation (Mayo Clinic staff, 2024). I will be focusing on a target market of millennials who are people aged 30 to 45, with an income bracket of 30,000 to 60,000 USD a year. These people are often unemployed and receive help from the government or work minimal hours to help try to offset the fatigue (Montrealer describes living with long Covid for the past five years, 2025). The lifestyle of those with long Covid that I am designing for is someone who has spaced out activities, is very sensitive to temperature changes, but needs to rest, and wants to be outside, as the sun can have a positive impact on symptoms (Johnson, 2021). I’m designing for those who still want to participate in social events in the sun and at the beach. Some of my design considerations include clothes that are easy to put on and take off, fabrics, easy closures, soft garments, and overall being minimal effort that still looks fashionable. Customers are looking for comfort, style, and well-fitted garments that make their day easier, not harder. The brand I will be designing for is Nautica, known for designing the classic American style, which targets millennial customers who look for fitted garments that are high-quality and will last (Palmiere, 2015). The price ranges from US$20 to US$150 for clothing items, with jackets being US$50 to US$200 (Nautica, n.d). This brand focuses on sustainability and supporting weavemakers who are people who advocate for the ocean and help share information. They also support Oceana, an ocean conservation organization (Nautica, n.d). This brand is considered to be a lifestyle brand. Nautica’s clothing is inspired by the ocean. Nautica was founded in 1983 by David Chu and began with only six outdoor styles. Now, Nautica is sold in over 65 countries worldwide and produces trendy, aesthetic clothing with a focus on its sailing heritage (Nautica, n.d).
Target Market
CENTRAL TIE
HIDDEN SNAP CLOSURE
SNAP CLOSURE
ELASTICATED STRAPS
UV PROTECTED FABRIC
FAST DRYING FABRIC
ALL WAY STRECH
SIDE POCKETS
PIECE 1
LOW BACK
Piece 1 Specs
This garment can be worn multiple ways and is designed to fit the needs of someone suffering from long Covid. This sporty design is made from a lightweight, all-ways stretch UV protective fabric, mak- ing it easy to slip on and off over the head. This garment provides UV protection while in the sun and close to the water. This UV material dries quickly when placed over a wet bathing suit. This design has additional open and closing features to provide airflow and help regulate temperature. At the centre front, this happens where the neck line ties together, and additionally, hidden snap closure buttons can be further opened. This also happens at the bottom of the garment, both in the front and the back, where snap closures allow additional airflow. Pockets can be seen on the side seams for storing everyday items.
2 TIE POINTS
FAST DRYING LIGHTWEIGHT FABRIC
CAN BE WORN MULTIPLE WAYS
UV PROTECTED FABRIC
PIECE 2
TRANSPARENT
LAYER 2
LAYER 1
Piece 2 Specs
When looking at the modular overflow piece, it can be worn as a skirt or cover the shoulders as a poncho, both versions being able to be long or short. SP’s is made from a lightweight, sheer, non-stretch UV-protected fabric. This way, users can choose to protect their shoulders, legs, or just wear this piece around the waist for additional warmth. This piece is designed so that it can be worn in so many different ways to help you feel most comfortable in the heat. All of the fabrics used in this garment are soft and non-irritating to the skin. This garment is meant to help minimize fatigue with its ease and simplicity for a day in the sun or at the beach. In terms of design and style choice, the colours chosen represent Nautica’s signature colour palette. This garment is designed to be effortlessly stylish while providing a medical purpose. All seems flush with the body to avoid any discomfort.
