C2C Student Design & Merchandising Competition
Use your skills in creativity, design, and merchandising to win prizes.
2027 Competition is coming soon! Keep your eyes on this page for updates!
Prizes
First Place
- US$4000 Cash Prize from AATCC
- US$600 Cash Prize from Farhan Patel
- Prize from Bedsure
- Winners will also receive one year free AATCC Student Membership
Second Place
- US$3000 Cash Prize from AATCC
- US$400 Cash Prize from Farhan Patel
- Prize from Bedsure
- Winners will also receive one year free AATCC Student Membership
Third Place
- US$1000 Cash Prize from AATCC
- US$200 Cash Prize from Farhan Patel
- Prize from Bedsure
- Winners will also receive one year free AATCC Student Membership
Overview
This year’s competition, SlumberStyle, invites students to design a bedding and/or sleepwear line. Think sheets, blankets, comforters, loungewear, and pajamas. Students are also encouraged to select a holiday theme for this bedding and/or sleepwear line. It can be any holiday celebrated anywhere around the world—from Christmas-themed pajamas to Diwali-themed sheets.
The 2027 AATCC Concept 2 Consumer Student Design & Merchandising Competition challenges the next generation of designers and merchandisers to think about how textile fabrics contribute to restful sleep.
Competition Requirements
- Undergraduate or graduate students (US and international).
- Individuals or teams of up to four. (Teams must share all prizes.)
- AATCC Student Membership required for all individuals participating in the competition (includes all members of a team)
Educational Component
Each entry must address the questions as noted in the guidelines.
Students will be asked to verify their product claims through AATCC test methods, explaining how the methods chosen improve their argument and why testing is important to design, merchandising, and point of sale—as well as why testing is especially important to bedding and/or sleepwear. Students will be asked to focus on tests for quality, as well as safety, regulatory and/or product performance.
Professional development is an important part of education. Students will be asked to review AATCC Membership benefits and describe how one or more benefits will help their research or future career plans.
Virtual events will be held in winter of 2026 and spring of 2027 to boost student understanding of the theme topics. Students are required to attend at least one of these events to qualify for the competition. These webinars will be held by industry experts and be free to Student Members. Educators can contact membership staff for details.
Calendar of Competition Events
Missed the live sessions? Recordings are linked below and count for credit! Viewable via AATCC Communities which can be accessed with AATCC Member Login Credentials.
Past (Recorded) Events
October 22, 2025: “Rising Professionals Interest Group Meeting: Future Proof Your Career – Career Fit & Career Planning”
January 21, 2026: All About AATCC & Testing
Upcoming Events
To be announced…
Can’t make the events? All recordings can be found in on AATCC Communities in their respective Interest Group Communities. Student Members can use their AATCC website credentials to get access! Reach out to membership staff with questions or if you have issues accessing the recordings.
Are you an educator looking for recordings to share with your students? Email membership staff for details.
Publication Resources
- Crocking Colorfastness
- Physical Testing
- more to come…
AATCC Standards
- AATCC began developing test methods in 1921
- AATCC has developed more than 200 standards including test methods and evaluation procedures
- All current AATCC standards are published in the annual AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures
- See a list of all AATCC standards: Testing Methods
Why are AATCC Test Methods Important?
- Purchase contracts specify in detail how goods are to be tested
- In both domestic and international markets, acceptance and rejection of textiles are based on meeting performance standards
- Product specification should be considered as early as the design phase
What do AATCC Test Methods Provide?
- Numerical results based on measurements or visual scales
- Common language for comparing or approving textiles
- AATCC does not establish pass/fail criteria, but interested parties can determine their own criteria knowing that everyone is using the same scale
How are AATCC Test Methods Developed?
- AATCC Test Methods are developed by volunteers in all industry segments
- AATCC Research Committee Meetings allow industry experts to meet and collaborate
Sponsors
Bedsure
CERTIFIED WOMEN-OWNED BRAND
Bedsure’s story began in the 1970s with one woman: a young mother driven by her passion for embroidery and her determination to support her family.
Leaving her small village behind, she ventured into the big city to create a brighter future. With her heart and hands, she built a brand rooted in warmth, comfort, and trust.
Farhan Patel
Senior Manager of Color at Alo Yoga.
Past Winners
