Effects of hip protective clothing on thermal wear comfort of clothing ensembles
Research Journal of Textile and Apparel
ISSN: 1560-6074
Article publication date: 8 February 2021
Issue publication date: 2 August 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the influence of hip protective clothing on ensemble performance attributes related to thermal comfort. It also explores the effect on protective pads of various materials and the arrangements of material. The thermal comfort characteristics are thermal insulation and moisture vapour resistance.
Design/methodology/approach
For this research, four ensembles of clothing were used: one ensemble without hip protective clothing and three ensembles with hip protective clothing. A thermal manikin was used to test the thermal insulation and moisture vapour resistance of the ensembles.
Findings
The findings revealed that incorporating hip protective clothing into the clothing ensembles influenced the thermal resistance and moisture vapour resistance of the ensemble. In the “all zones group,” the influence of the hip protective clothing depended on clothing style, with hipster-style clothing producing insignificant changes. In the “hip zones group” and “stomach and hip zones group,” hip protective clothing strongly influenced the thermal comfort attributes of ensembles. Pad material and volume play important roles in these changes in thermal comfort attributes.
Originality/value
These outcomes are useful for the design and engineering of hip protective clothing, where maximizing protection while minimizing thermal and moisture vapour resistance is critical for wear comfort and adherence in warm or hot conditions. The designer should consider that material, volume and thickness of protective pad affect the overall thermal comfort attributes of the hip protective clothing.
Keywords
Citation
Wardiningsih, W. and Troynikov, O. (2021), "Effects of hip protective clothing on thermal wear comfort of clothing ensembles", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp. 226-239. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-11-2020-0124
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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