The impact of structural solutions used in clothing protecting against cold on its thermal insulation
International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology
ISSN: 0955-6222
Article publication date: 7 November 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of design solutions used in clothing on the thermal resistance of the material systems from which the clothing is made, design solutions used in clothing on its thermal insulation and clothing size on its thermal insulation properties.
Design/methodology/approach
This study involved laboratory tests of clothing protecting against cold and textile systems used in this type of garment using a “skin model” test stand and a thermal manikin.
Findings
Analysis of the results obtained from tests carried out showed that the design solutions used in a garment can model its local and overall insulation. It was found that using a bib in trousers has a dominant influence on the thermal properties of clothing. An important parameter is also the use of a hood, as well as the length of the jacket. No significant effect of other structural solutions, such as jacket fastening, pockets and reflective tapes, on the thermal performance of the clothing set was noted.
Originality/value
Although the reports available in the literature pay a lot of attention to the impact of the design of clothing protecting against cold on its thermal performance, most of the presented research results relate to the aspects of fit, whereas the analyses of the effects of other aspects of garment construction on thermal properties are lacking. Therefore, the analysis of the impact of design solutions used in clothing on its thermal insulation properties is a key original factor of this paper.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The paper has been based on the results of Phase III of the National Programme “Safety and working conditions improvement”, funded in the years 2014-2016 in the area of Research and Development works by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education/The National Centre for Research and Development. The Programme Coordinator: Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute.
Citation
Dabrowska, A.K. (2016), "The impact of structural solutions used in clothing protecting against cold on its thermal insulation", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 28 No. 6, pp. 805-819. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCST-01-2016-0001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited