Comfort Pressure of the Top Part of Men's Socks

Abstract

In this study, the relation between pressure values and the feeling of pressure of the top part of men's socks (hereafter, the top) is investigated to design and develop socks that provide wearing comfort. Leg size, tensile properties and pressure values of the top are measured, and the pressure feeling is evaluated. When the tops of men's casual socks are stretched to a certain extent this induces stress relaxation and the feeling of pressure changes depending on wearing time. In this study, a certain stable pressure value is observed 2 hours after wearing the socks. The pressure value of the anterior surface of the leg has a great influence on the feeling of pressure. The pressure value of the top when the subjects feel "comfortable" is 2.02 ± 0.29 kPa. Furthermore, the minimum girth of the lower leg and the girth of the heel influence the wearing comfort of socks.