Investigation of Fabric Behaviours in Compression Sportswear Under Extended Condition

Compression sports garments in usage stretch up to 10% length and 60% in width, depending on the circumference variations of body. This stretch also changes the loop density, loop shape, porosity and thickness of fabrics. Especially for heat and water vapor transfer, it is expected to play a very important role. Compression sportswear are generally produced from knitted stretch fabrics, which get extended on wearing and remain under extended condition. Since they are worn next to skin and are direct contact with the body surface, their comfort properties are more effective on overall clothing comfort. As Permeability and porosity are strongly related to each other, we compared air permeability of fabrics in extended condition considering the fabric extension results taken from 3D simulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fabric extension on fabric Behaviours (air permeability, loop density and thickness of fabric) of eleven stretch knitted fabrics used largely in compression sportswear. Revised patterns in virtual garment simulation can help to use the air permeability property more effectively to improve the overall clothing comfort. The results of study show that air permeability and loop density which are strongly related, change significantly when the fabric is posed under an extended condition, especially it is more visible in warp knitted structures. Investigations on fabric Behaviours under extended condition could be the key for solution in ventilation of appropriate zones on garment.

Keywords: Air permeability; Loop density; Clothing comfort; Fabric extension; Virtual garment simulation