The challenges associated with designing smart garments can result in a burden that negatively impacts designers’ creativity and motivation. To address technical difficulties and encourage a holistic approach to design, this study proposed a modular framework for smart garment design. This modular framework also reduced barriers to entry and allowed creators to prioritize aesthetic and function, rather than technology. Interviewing nine design and engineering students who expressed interest in smart garment creation led to the identification of key technical challenges surrounding electrical hardware integration, electrical connection creation, and component selection. The modular framework proposed addressed these technical challenges by outlining a central module-peripheral module structure, establishing a substrate-based hardware attachment system, and organizing an adaptable wire connection protocol. A prototype toolkit implementing the framework was created and given to seven teams of design and engineering students for evaluation. Key evaluation metrics such as electrical connections and secure placement showed statistically significant improvements with the prototype toolkit. Further study could address limitations with customization, durability, and deeper participant involvement.