Thermal comfort performance of sports garments with objective and subjective measurements

Abstract

Subjective wear trials have been carried out to determine thermal comfort performance of knitted sports garments whose objective thermal comfort parameters are determined in a preceding study in fabric form. Physiological measurements (skin and microclimate temperature, microclimate relative humidity, heart rate and sweat amount) and psychological rating results (coolness, dampness and comfort) are recorded during subjective wear trials conducted with five types of sports garments, investigated objectively before. Relationships between objective comfort parameters and physiological-psychological measurement results have been studied to put forward a realistic comfort evaluation method. According to the results, microclimate temperature measured from chest is significantly correlated with the coolness and dampness ratings. Polyester fabrics having interlock jacquard and double face weaves show better thermal comfort performance according to their objective and subjective measurements as a result of their more open structures and higher water vapor transfer capabilities.