Search Results (56)

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common peripheral vascular condition characterised by the retrograde blood flow in the lower extremities and its consequences such as oedema and other complications. Clinical severity of CVI is assessed according to the CEAP (Clinical, Etiological, Anatomic, and Physiopathologic) classification, which recognises seven grades of increasing clinical severity (C₀–C₆). Compression therapy aims to accelerate vein, lymph, and microcirculation flow and therefore reduce chronic nonbacterial inflammation and oedema of the extremities. In accordance with the elasticity and stiffness, compression bandages and garments are divided into short-stretch and long-stretch compression materials. Compression therapy is applicable in all stages of CVI. Moreover, compression therapy in conjunction with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications is more effective in reducing oedema, preventing venous distension, and reducing venous wall tension, all while improving calf muscle pump function. Physical therapy in CVI treatment combines everyday lifestyle modifications, physical activity, medical exercise, sports activity, hydrotherapy, and electrotherapy. Therefore, physical therapy is used either for prevention or either for therapeutic purposes in CVI. For grades CEAP C₀–C_2, preventive measures consist of education and counselling, medical exercise and general fitness, and sports and physical activities. However, for therapy in grades CEAP C₃–C₆, medical exercise and a specific rehabilitation programme, manual lymphatic drainage and massage, balneotherapy, and electrotherapy are recommended. Full article

With the growing adoption of CLO 3D in the fashion industry and educational settings, the need for accurate material representation and fit simulation in virtual environments is increasing. This study aimed to evaluate whether CLO 3D, without the aid of physical samples, can reliably simulate clothing pressure for compression wear made from different materials. Unlike previous CLO 3D studies that focused on design or pattern accuracy, this study critically examined material-specific simulation limitations and proposed technical enhancements. Two types of leggings with varying spandex content were tested across five yoga poses using the CLO 3D software(version 2024.2.214). The results showed that CLO 3D did not detect differences in clothing pressure caused by variations in spandex content. Furthermore, the pressure values remained constant across different poses for both fabrics, failing to reflect realistic mechanical differences. The highest total clothing pressure was recorded in the Lunge pose (277.02 kPa), and the lowest in the Plow pose (241.37 kPa). These findings suggest that the current simulation engine lacks sensitivity to fabric-specific mechanical properties and movement-based variation. To address these limitations, this study proposes five optimization functions for CLO 3D, including material property input, technical textile databases, environmental condition settings, AI-based comfort prediction, and data management tools. These proposals are expected to strengthen the scientific validity, functional realism, and user-centered applicability of CLO 3D in designing sportswear, medical compression garments, and customized apparel. Full article

Thermal insulation is a basic property for describing a set of clothing and consists of the thermal resistance of the individual layers of clothing (which depends on the material used and its structure) and also takes into account the air gaps between the layers. Here, the total thermal insulation was measured in a climatic chamber with a thermal manikin. The air gaps were measured using a 3D scanning technique and calculated using the Blender 3D graphics program. Our study shows the effect of size (fit) on the size of the air gaps, as well as the influence of the air gap size on the thermal insulation value (both for static and dynamic conditions with 45 double steps and 45 double arm movements per minute) for workwear. The relationship of the total thermal insulation value on the volume and size of the air gap was described as a second-order polynomial (R2 > 0.8). It was observed that for workwear, thermal insulation did not increase when the air gaps exceeded approximately 30 mm or when the air gap volume reached 50–55 dm³. The highest total thermal insulation (~0.23 m²°C/W) was achieved when the garment closely fitted the wearer’s body (or in this case, the thermal manikin) without excessive tightness. Full article

This study aims to develop an innovative and functional mastectomy bra that addresses the physical, aesthetic, and psychological needs of post-mastectomy women. Mastectomy bras play a vital role in prosthesis stability, body image improvement, and quality of life. Using CLO 3D virtual fitting software-2024.2.214, two bra models were designed and evaluated for ergonomic fit and aesthetic appearance. The virtual prototyping method enabled design evaluation without physical sample production, providing an efficient and sensitive approach for user-centered design. Features such as prosthesis stability, user comfort, and aesthetic elements were optimized, while Tencel–PES–elastane and nylon–elastane fabrics were compared for pressure performance and body fit. Results showed similar performance for both fabrics; however, Tencel was recommended as a sustainable option due to its superior moisture absorption, breathability, and skin-friendly properties. The 3D virtual prototyping method offered an effective evaluation tool while addressing the psychological needs of women who prefer not to participate in physical fittings. This approach presents an innovative and sustainable model that can be applied to the design of other specialized garments. This study presents an innovative contribution by integrating advanced CLO 3D virtual prototyping technology into the design process, enabling ergonomic and aesthetic evaluations without the need for physical samples, especially for women in the sensitive post-operative period. This innovative approach not only streamlines the design process but also establishes a sustainable framework for specialized garment production. The utilization of Tencel–polyester–elastane fabric as a sustainable alternative demonstrates suitable performance in terms of comfort and ergonomic fit while promoting environmentally friendly practices. These findings highlight the significance of digital prototyping methods in garment design and offer a user-centric, eco-conscious model applicable to other specialized garments. Full article

Due to constantly shifting environmental and personal circumstances, humans have a wide range of thermal comfort needs. Cold intolerance (CI) is a personalized thermoregulation disorder characterized by a persistently cold-feeling problem, regardless of weather conditions. Improvements in clothing thermal comfort can help maintain proper insulation levels, hence reducing excess heat loss brought on by thermoregulation disorders since the wearer’s thermal comfort is impacted by controllable environmental and personal factors. Despite extensive research on cold-proof clothing, no studies have examined the current status of cold protective clothing systems when taking individual considerations into account, particularly those who use them and have cold sensitivity. There is a significant study gap in research on cold intolerance discomfort and advancements in appropriate cold protection apparel applied to individuals with thermoregulation disorders. Accordingly, this paper reviews the occurrence and severity of cold intolerance and its comfort challenges. It also addresses recent developments in cold protective clothing design, aimed at opening pathways for further investigation into adopting this cutting-edge technology for cold intolerance wear design. This review also aims to clarify the existing opportunities for enhancing the thermal insulation capabilities and other comfort factors of cold protection apparel, which are conducted during the stages of garment design and clothing material/textile manufacture. A thorough assessment of the research on introducing novel surface finishing methods in the pretreatment section and modifying the structural properties of garment materials at the fiber/yarn or weaving stage is conducted. Furthermore, we systematically discuss the potential design solutions regarding fit and size as well as stitching technologies during garment development for thermal insulation enhancement of cold protective clothing design. Full article

The problem of textile waste generated in production processes poses new challenges for manufacturers. For this reason, an approach to clothing design has been developed that takes into account aspects of sustainable development and the zero-waste concept. The paper presents the development of “T” and “X” silhouettes for women’s dresses according to the proposed new method. The existing basic cuts of women’s dresses were modeled to obtain “T” and “X” basic silhouettes for women’s dresses, and we compare the reduction in losses between the cuts using the newly proposed TAXI method and the TAXI method according to the proposed design. The use of pattern losses based on the pattern of the basic dress cut provides innovative design solutions according to the TAXI method by applying structural elements that adjust the shape of the basic silhouettes of women’s dresses. Fabric utilization using the basic “T” silhouette cut model is reduced to 75%. The TAXI method improves fabric utilization, achieving 75% fabric use with the basic “T” silhouettes and up to 99.8% with modifications. The fabric utilization of the basic “X” silhouette according to the proposed TAXI design method is 99.8%, which is 32.5% higher than the fabric utilization according to the basic pattern. With this comprehensive concept based on the principles of sustainability, the proposed TAXI design method has been adapted for the maximum possible fabric utilization, esthetic quality and fit, while retaining the recognizable silhouette of the garment. Full article

The self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is an integral part of the structural firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) ensemble. However, when donned, it adds significant weight and restriction, interfering with the fit of the turnout suit and the ventilation within the clothing system. This may result in a reduction of air gaps within the clothing microclimate, quickening the onset of heat strain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the SCBA on air gaps in structural firefighting turnout suits. Nine active-duty male firefighter participants were scanned in a three-dimensional body scanner in four garment configurations (compression, base layers, turnout suit, and turnout with SCBA). Torso volume, surface area, and air gaps were calculated alongside ease measurements. Findings demonstrated a 59% increase in torso volume when donning the turnout suit over base layers compared to a 1.2% reduction in torso volume when donning the SCBA. The change in torso air gap volume and distance were also found to be negligible when donning the SCBA. This study lays the foundation for full systems ensemble research needed to better understand how the design, weight, and fit of the SCBA impacts the thermal comfort, mobility, and protection of structural firefighters. Full article

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a disabling yet poorly understood paroxysmal gait disorder affecting the vast majority of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) as they reach advanced stages of the disorder. Falling is one of the most disabling consequences of a FOG episode; it often results in injury and a future fear of falling, leading to diminished social engagement, a reduction in general fitness, loss of independence, and degradation of overall quality of life. Currently, there is no robust or reliable treatment against FOG in PD. In the absence of reliable and effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease, alleviating the consequences of FOG represents an unmet clinical need, with the first step being reliable FOG prediction. Current methods for FOG prediction and prevention cannot provide real-time readouts and are not sensitive enough to detect changes in walking patterns or balance. To fill this gap, we developed an sEMG system consisting of a soft, wearable garment (pair of shorts and two calf sleeves) embedded with screen-printed electrodes and stretchable traces capable of picking up and recording the electromyography activities from lower limb muscles. Here, we report on the testing of these garments in healthy individuals and in patients with PD FOG. The preliminary testing produced an initial time-to-onset commencement that persisted > 3 s across all patients, resulting in a nearly 3-fold drop in sEMG activity. We believe that these initial studies serve as a solid foundation for further development of smart digital textiles with integrated bio and chemical sensors that will provide AI-enabled, medically oriented data. Full article

The design of medical-grade compression garments is essential for therapeutic efficacy, requiring precise pressure distribution on specific body areas. This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtual fit technology, focusing on CLO3D, in designing these garments. Simulated strain and pressure values from CLO3D were compared to experimental measurements, alongside the development of a CP model using CLO3D’s digitized stretch stiffness (Youn’s CP model). Using a 3D-scanned manikin, the mechanical behavior of eight knit fabrics, including composite structures, was assessed under strain of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The results showed that CLO3D’s built-in pressure simulation overestimated the pressure, especially in plaited fabrics such as SJP and INTP, with discrepancies of up to 10 kPa at strain levels above 15%. In contrast, the experimental pressure measurements using the Kikuhime and PPS sensors varied within 0.13 to 2.59 kPa. Youn’s CP model provided a closer fit to the experimental data, with deviations limited to within 1.9 kPa. This finding highlights the limitations of CLO3D for precision-required applications and underscores the need for more advanced, customized algorithms in virtual fit technology to ensure reliable compression garment design, particularly in medical contexts, where precise pressure control is critical for patient outcomes. Full article

The purpose of this study was to compare average rate of oxygen consumption (VO₂), slow component of oxygen consumption (VO₂ drift), heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) while wearing compression pants vs. a control garment during long-distance running. Methods: Nine injury-free and recreationally active participants (32 ± 11 years) were recruited for this study. Participants ran in full-leg compression pants (COMP) and a loose-fitting control garment (CON). Participants ran in each condition for 40 min at a preferred submaximal speed. The rate of oxygen consumption (VO₂) was measured continuously via a metabolic cart throughout each condition. Both HR and RPE were recorded every 5 min during each condition. Oxygen consumption was averaged across the entirety of the steady state during the 40 min conditions for analysis. Additionally, the average from the first five minutes of the steady state was subtracted from the average of the last five minutes to assess VO₂. A paired t-test was used to assess for differences for both variables. Both HR and RPE were each compared between conditions using 2 (garment) × 8 (time) repeated measure ANOVAs (α = 0.05). Results: There were no differences between VO₂ or VO₂ drift while running with full-leg compression pants vs. the control garment (p > 0.05). Neither RPE nor HR were influenced by the garments (p > 0.05) or time (p > 0.05) during each condition. Conclusion: Wearing compression pants did not result in reduced VO₂, VO₂ drift, HR or RPE during a long-distance run. Although measured performance variables were not aided using compression pants, there were no negative effects to the use of compression pants. Full article

In the context of the Fashion Apparel Industry 4.0, a transformative evolution is directed towards the Online Apparel Mass Customization (OAMC) strategy, which provides efficient and personalized apparel product solutions to consumers. A critical challenge within this customization process is the determination of sizes. While existing research addresses comfort evaluation in relation to wearer and garment fit, little attention has been given to how garment fit influences the wearer’s body image, which is also an important purchase consideration. This study investigates the impact of garment fit on the wearer’s body scale perception using quantitative research design. A digital dataset of avatars, clothed in varying sizes of T-shirts, were created for the body scale perception experiment, and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was developed to predict the effect of T-shirt fit on body image. With only a small number of garments and body measurements as inputs, the ANN model can accurately predict the body scales of the clothed persons. It was found that the effect of apparel fit on body image varies depending on the wearer’s gender, body size, and shape. This model can be applied to enhance the online garment shopping experience with respect to personalized body image enhancement. Full article

Woven fabrics generally have high strength but only limited stretch. This lack of stretch can be overcome by incorporating elastane fibers into the fabric structure. These stretch woven fabrics offer an interesting potential for tight-fitting garments. However, the presence of the elastane fibers may lower the strength of the fabrics. To expand the knowledge on the mechanical behavior of stretch woven fabrics, this study investigated eight commercial fabrics with elastane fiber content between 5 and 51%. Four fabrics were polyester-based and the other four were polyamide-based. The effect of the fabric weight and elastane fiber content on the grab strength, tear strength, and unrecovered stretch was analyzed. It was observed that, at very high elastane fiber content, the load–extension curve was typical to that of an elastane fiber, while the traditional load–extension behavior of woven fabrics with low to average stretch was obtained at lower elastane fiber contents. For the polyester-based fabrics, the grab strength and tear strength generally increased with fabric weight and decreased with elastane fiber content. For the polyamide-based fabrics, a higher elastane fiber content led to a decrease in grab strength, tear strength, and unrecovered stretch. A reduction in tear strength was observed at higher fabric weight. Full article

Mass production and global trade have fuelled apparel industry economic growth since the industrial revolution. Mass production and global trade have also contributed to sustainability issues, such as pollution and resource depletion. This scoping review explores how garment sizing and fit affect the sustainability of the Malaysian garment industry. The research objective was achieved using an in-depth analysis of the literature to identify the main sizing and fit issues and research gaps in the Malaysian apparel industry. Furthermore, the sustainability challenges resulting from sizing and fit issues were explored and the strategies to address these issues for apparel industry sustainability were proposed. Finally, the authors suggest that Malaysia should establish its own standard sizing system to contribute to the sustainable development of the local industry. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide an empirical basis and strategic guide for sustainable development by the Malaysian apparel industry. Full article

To the purpose of this study was to compare muscle oscillation, muscle activation time, and oxygen consumption while wearing compression pants vs. a control garment during running. Methods. Eleven injury-free and recreationally active participants (26.73 ± 12.74 years) were recruited for this study. Participants ran in full-leg compression pants (COMP) and a loose-fitting control garment (CON). Participants ran for 6 min at three submaximal speeds: preferred speed (PS), preferred speed minus 10% (PS − 10%), and preferred speed plus 10% (PS + 10%). The muscle activity of the leg was measured through electromyography (EMG). Muscle oscillation (MO) was measured with accelerometers attached to the thigh and shank. The rate of oxygen consumption ($\stackrel{.}{\mathrm{V}}$O₂) and heart rate (HR) were recorded during each condition. MO was assessed over the 0–60 Hz range by averaging power across 10 Hz bins per leg segment. EMG data was processed to identify the activation time. Following each condition, a belief score was recorded. Dependent variables were each compared between conditions using 2 (garment) × 3 (speed) repeated measure ANOVAs (α = 0.05). The relationship between the belief score and dependent variables (compression-control) was analyzed using Pearson’s product-moment correlation (α = 0.05). Results. MO was lower with the full-leg compression pants vs. the control garment (p < 0.05). The muscle activation time for each muscle was shorter while wearing the full-leg compression pants (p < 0.05). Neither the $\stackrel{.}{\mathrm{V}}$O₂, RPE, SF, nor the HR were influenced by the garments (p > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between changes in the dependent variables and belief. Conclusion. Wearing compression pants resulted in reduced MO and activation time; however, these changes did not translate into a reduction in $\stackrel{.}{\mathrm{V}}$O₂. Full article

This study adopts a data-driven methodology to address the challenge of garment fitting for individuals with diverse body shapes. Focusing on young Chinese women aged 18–25 from Central China, we utilized the German VITUS SMART LC3 3D body scanning technology to measure 62 body parts pertinent to fashion design on a sample of 220 individuals. We then employed a hybrid approach, integrating the circumference difference classification method with the characteristic value classification method, and applied the K-means clustering algorithm to categorize these individuals into four distinct body shape groups based on cluster center analysis. Building upon these findings, we formulated specific linear regression models for key body parts associated with each body shape category. This led to the development of an intelligent software capable of automatically calculating the dimensions of 28 body parts and accurately determining the body shape type for young Central Chinese women. Our research underscores the significant role of intelligent predictive systems in the realm of fashion design, particularly within a data-driven framework. The system we have developed offers precise body measurements and classification outcomes, empowering businesses to create garments that more accurately conform to the wearer’s body, thus enhancing both the fit and aesthetic value of the clothing. Full article