Effects of wind and clothing apertures on local clothing ventilation rates and thermal insulation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of wind (0, 1.1 m/s) and clothing apertures (not closed, closed hem, closed hem and neck) and the combined effects of them on local clothing ventilation rates and localized thermal insulation. Nine working jackets with identical design but different garment sizes and fabric permeability were made. The results showed that wind and clothing apertures had distinct effects both on the local ventilation rates and the local thermal insulation. The local ventilation rates of the right arm were largest at 1.1 m/s wind speed with the clothing hem closed. Chest and back ventilation rates were higher at wind than at no wind. Closing the garment hem affected the local thermal insulation of the impermeable garments mostly. In addition to wind and garment apertures, garment sizes and fabric permeability also impacted the local ventilation rates and the thermal insulation.