Effects of wind direction on sportswear thermal insulation with various ease allowance

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of wind direction and ease allowance on thermal comfort in sportswear. Design/methodology/approach – The effects of wind direction (front, side, back and calm (no wind) 1.5 m/s) and seven magnitudes of ease allowance on sportswear thermal insulation and surface temperature were investigated. An 11 zones’ thermal manikin was used to acquire the static thermal insulation. Surface temperature was captured by a thermal imager. Findings – The results showed that the wind was a significant effect on thermal performance, however, wind direction effect was only significant in the segment covered with multilayer fabric, such as the abdomen and hip (p=0.034). Although the ease allowance influenced the overall thermal insulation obviously, the difference between seven sizes suits was not significant. Nevertheless, the ease allowance affected the surface temperature of chest and back significantly (p=0.023, 0.007). Correlation between thermal insulation and surface temperature was negative, and correlation level was degraded when affected by wind factor. Research limitations/implications – Sportswear’s fabric and style did not discussed as effect factors. It would be taken into accounted in the future research. Originality/value – Wind direction impact thermal comfort in multilayer regions significantly. It is a reference to improve sportswear’s comfort design.