Towards optimization of sports bra strap design: the role of stitch pattern and stitch length (SL) on the properties of seamless knitted fabrics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SL and stitch patterns on seamless knitted fabric properties as applied to sports bra strap functionality. Different tuck stitch patterns commonly used for seamless knitted activewear, were knitted with a Santoni machine setting for stitch SL = 70. Textile testing was conducted to narrow down the patterns suitable for bra strap. Significant interactions between pattern and SL on thickness, weight, air permeability, elongation, and breaking force were found. The results confirmed some of the existing knowledge about the influence of tuck stitches on the dimensional properties of weft knitted fabrics, such as increasing their density and stability, but also revealed new insights for patterns with more complex tuck stitch repeats when varying SL. Moisture management measurements for various SL values proved to be critical in selecting the best stitch pattern (tuck pattern#10) and SL = 115 that could lead towards optimization of sports bra strap design and highlighted the inconsistent tuck pattern fabric behavior in the presence of moisture.