(05/12/26) BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU Textiles, Apparel and Merchandising students designed collections for Red Ants Pants, a women-first workwear brand, in a project for their class pattern design with computer application.

Drawing inspiration from the brand’s pillars of functionality, femininity and inclusivity, students designed durable garments with the Red Ants Pants consumer in mind. The presentations occurred over zoom with the four student groups, Casey Stannard, LSU AgCenter associate professor of textiles and apparel and merchandising, and several representatives from the brand, including Sarah Calhoun, founder, and Stephanie Cole, CEO and LSU alumna (MBA 2019).

“Innovation in women’s workwear is long overdue,” Cole said. “As more women enter the trades, they deserve gear that’s built for their bodies and the work they do, not something they have to compromise on. Projects like this empower the next generation of designers and manufacturers to rethink the status quo and create solutions that truly serve women.”

In the class, fashion students gain an understanding of garment fit and measurement, pattern making, relationship between body form, pattern shape and fabric, and independent performance.

One pair of overalls, made by Madison Major, a TAM student and member of the “Petals and Pockets” group, is a colorful example of the concept-to-creation process and how designers must consider functionality.

“I wanted a lot of colors on there,” Major said. “I realized that I should have maybe put some pockets in the back, because I kept trying to reach for back pockets. So, maybe I could add that later.”

Student collections ranged thematically, from focusing on the urbanite gardener to the schoolteacher. The use of pockets and strong, thick fabrics were uniform elements across the class.

Stannard challenged students in this semester-long project to assess Red Ants Pants’ brand identity, customer base, new product opportunities and develop full collections from concept to prototype.

“This type of collaboration ensures that higher education stays responsive to the market,” Stannard said. “Students aren’t just learning theory. They’re solving real challenges alongside a small business. It gives them invaluable experience and a clearer understanding of how their skills translate beyond the classroom.”

Red Ants Pants is a Montana-based apparel company that designs high-quality workwear for women. Addressing the gap of functional women’s clothing in industries like construction, manufacturing and agriculture, the team continues to look for new ways to celebrate the working woman in male-dominated industries and beyond.

“Dirt to Daisys Overalls” final product and mockup made by Madison Major, textiles, apparel and merchandising student. Images provided by class

“The Urbanites” mood board made by a student group for the Red Ants Pants presentation. Images provided by class

“Teacher’s Toolbox” student group's collection inspired by a teacher on-the-move. Images provided by class