The Effects of the Tensile Properties of Cup-stand Materials on Clothing Pressure and Comfort of Push-up Type Brassieres

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the influence of cup-stand materials on clothing pressure, compressive feeling, silhouette evaluation and physiological responses (heart rate and blood pressure). We conducted wearing tests of pushup type brassieres of which cup-stand materials have different tensile resistances. This includes a regular type brassiere with a short cup-stand as control sample. Clothing pressure and compressive feeling that measured and evaluated in a sitting position depended on the tensile properties of the total bottom section of brassieres. Brassieres where compressive feeling was lower were more comfortable. Variable coefficients in clothing pressure during a stepping exercise depended on the tensile properties of the cup-stand section. When wearing brassieres with lower tensile resistance at the cup-stand section subjects had lower physiological responses (the heart rate and double product : heart rate×systolic pressure) during and after exercise. A decrease in body size when wearing the push-up brassieres was larger than that of the regular sample, therefore we concluded that the push-up effect depended on the length of the cup-stand. The brassieres with higher tensile resistance and a longer cup-stand could obtain a better silhouette evaluation, but the evaluations of all push-up type brassieres were better than that of the regular one. Within the push-up type brassieres used, a brassiere without bust-under tape (hem type) at the cup-stand section had the lowest clothing pressure and the subjects had the lowest physiological responses. It was also most comfortable.