Tribological evaluation of sportswear with negative fit worn next to skin

Abstract

Compression garments are constructed to have a negative fit where the size of the garment is smaller than that of the body over which they are fitted. Due to this negative fit, these types of garments generate pressure on the underlying tissue of the human body where the inner surface of these garments is in full contact with the wearer’s skin. Sensorial or tactile comfort is an important part of an overall physiological comfort of sport apparel. The friction between fabric and skin and the fabric surface roughness are two important components in evaluation of the sensorial comfort of fabrics and materials. The objective of this study is to investigate and compare the material surface characteristics of fabrics suitable for the sport compression garments under conditions similar to those when such garments are worn. The study quantitatively examines and evaluates the effects of fabric construction, physical structural parameters and especially fabric elastic deformation on the fabric surface topography as relevant to the practical wear of sport garments with negative fit made from it. In addition, the influence of the presence of moisture in the fabrics due to the sweat absorption during strenuous physical activity on the textile surface characteristics is addressed.