Comfort Characteristics of Knitted Active Sportswear: Heat and Mass Transfer

Abstract

Thermo physiological comfort is an important sportswear criterion in terms of sportsmen's comfort and performance. In this study, heat and mass transfer of active sportswear were evaluated. Heat transmission was measured by thermal resistance; relative water vapour permeability was measured to assess moisture vapour transmission; air permeability was measured to determine air passage; and sweat response was measured by water absorption, specific flow rates and drying time. It was observed that the structural parameters of fabric and the cross-sectional shape of filaments significantly affected the comfort characteristics of knitted active sportswear.