Influence of Fabric Mechanical Property on Clothing Dynamic Pressure Distribution and Pressure Comfort on Tight-Fit Sportswear

Abstract

Clothing pressure distribution in tight-fit sportswear was simulated by using numerical computational method. Three sets of tight-fit sportswears were simulated on the basis of their mechanical properties. In addition, a 3D human body was also simulated in order to investigate its interaction with sportswear in the wearing process. Result shows that pressure increases significantly around the waist girth until it passes through body pelvis during the wearing process. Meanwhile, pressure begins to increase for other tested body locations. Based on body contour plot, we found that pressure distribution was not uniformly distributed and high-pressure zone was concentrated around the waist girth at the end of the wearing process. The simulated pressure has no significant difference (p > 0.05) with the experimental pressure measurements. Furthermore, subjective pressure comfort rating was linearly correlated with the simulation, suggesting the simulation method can provide reliable prediction in term of pressure comfort. From the tight-fit sportswear manufacturer's point of view, simulation result would help them to satisfy consumers' physiological and psychological needs in term of pressure comfort at a lower cost.