Chris Watson

Consumer behavior of generational cohorts for compression sportswear

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the difference in purchase decision behavior of compression sportswear by Baby Boomers and Generation Y. Design/methodology/approach – Two methods were used for data collection: a simulation study with 17 Baby Boomers and 23 Generation Y subjects using eye-tracking technology; and a questionnaire from a sample of 82 Baby Boomers and 84 Generation Y consumers. Findings – Generation Y are more inquisitive and focus greatly on technical information. Baby Boomers are more confident with their choices, taking a shorter time to reach a purchase decision; they are more concerned with aspects that protect the wearer. Research limitations/implications – Limited demographic information was collected from participants in the simulation study, further research is required in this area. Practical implications – This study provides important insights into the purchase decision behavior of Baby Boomers and Generation Y for compression sportswear. By providing better u...

Thermal comfort properties of knitted fabrics suitable for skin layer of protective clothing worn in extreme hot conditions

Key words: Physiological comfort, knitted fabrics, protective clothing Abstract. Thermal comfort of clothing is associated with the thermal balance between human body and the environment, and also a balance between the body heat production and the heat loss. During work activities performed in extreme hot conditions, the body produces substantial amount of heat energy which leads to raised body temperature. As a result the body perspires in liquid and vapour form to reduce the increased temperature. When this perspiration is transmitted to the atmosphere, the body temperature reduces. Thus the garments worn next to skin should allow the perspiration and heat to easily pass through them; otherwise the result will be a significant discomfort of the persons working in extreme hot conditions. Therefore, thermal properties and water vapour permeability of the fabrics used for the next-to-skin layer of protective clothing are very important for the maintenance of physiological comfort of workers. In the present study physical parameters, air permeability, porosity, thermal and water vapour permeability of six commercially available knitted fabrics of different fibre blends, different and knitted structures suitable for skin layer garments of protective clothing worn in extreme hot conditions were evaluated. The influences of fabric physical parameters, and optical porosity on thermal conductivity and water vapour permeability of fabrics were determined and correlation coefficients were calculated between these variables.

Towards sustainable and safe apparel cleaning methods: A review

Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a compound commonly used as a solvent in dry cleaning, despite its severe health and environmental impacts. In recent times chemicals such as hydrocarbons, GreenEarth(®), acetal and liquid carbon dioxide have emerged as less damaging substitutes for PERC, and an even more sustainable water-based wet cleaning process has been developed. We employed a systematic review approach to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing research evidence in the area of sustainable and safe apparel cleaning methods and care. Our review describes traditional professional dry cleaning methods, as well as those that utilise solvents other than PERC, and their ecological attributes. In addition, the new professional wet cleaning process is discussed. Finally, we address the health hazards of the various solvents used in dry cleaning and state-of-the-art solvent residue trace analysis techniques.

Sleep environments and sleep physiology: A review

Sleep loss impairs task performance and post-physical activity recovery, cognitive performance and mood, heightens fatigue and decreases vigour; poor sleep quality impairs decision-making, the speed and accuracy of task performance, and post-exercise recovery. Sleep time and quality are affected by age, psychological and physiological conditions, culture and environmental factors. Skin temperature, rapid temperature change and sweating during sleep can significantly reduce sleep quality. Hence, the thermal properties of bedding and sleepwear, both in steady-state and transient ambient temperature conditions, are logically important factors. Research to date on sleeping thermal microclimates and their effect on sleep quality is scarce. This present review covers the fundamental elements of human sleep, highlighting physically active people, such as athletes, and the influence of sleepwear and bedding on sleep thermal microclimates, as well as the research methods that have been and could be used in this field. This review identifies opportunity for future research direction and approaches to understanding thermal environments that may support better human sleep.

Design considerations for low-level risk personal protective clothing: a review.

Personal protective clothing (PPC) is mandatory in hazardous industrial workplaces, but can increase thermophysiological strain, causing fatigue, reduced productivity, illness and injury. We systematically reviewed the literature on PPC and heat stress, focusing on research relating to working conditions of high temperature and humidity. PPC must protect industrial workers from a wide variety of hazards, including sun damage, abrasion, chemical spills and electrical burns; these competing demands inevitably compromise thermal performance. Fiber type, textile material construction and treatment need to be considered alongside garment fit and construction to design functional PPC providing wearers with adequate protection and comfort. Several approaches to materials and PPC testing—objective benchtop evaluation, mathematical modelling, and physiological testing—can be combined to provide high-quality thermal and vapor performance data. Our review provides a foundation and directions for further research in low-level risk PPC, where current research in fabrics and clothing in this category is very limited, and will help designers and manufacturers create industrial workwear with improved thermal management characteristics.

Durability of vapor-permeable waterproof textile materials used in sailing protective apparel:

Vapor-permeable waterproof textiles (VPWTs) are used in sailing apparel to protect wearers from weather and water exposure. They must also withstand knocks and abrasion. Failure of fabric waterproofing results in water intrusion, reduced thermal protection and potentially hypothermia. There are no standard methods for testing the waterproof durability of fabrics in these conditions. To evaluate waterproofing durability, we simulated high levels of wear on leading commercially available VPWT assemblies through mechanical treatment in wet conditions. To compare fabrics on multiple performance characteristics, we developed a Total Durability Penalty index associated with leaks and ruptures, weighted by failure pressure. The experiment revealed significant differences in VPWT deterioration under mechanical treatment. We determined that the mass per unit area and thickness of VPWT fabrics are positively correlated with pressure at leakage; that rupture is significantly and negatively associated with the mass per unit area and thickness of the inner and outer layers of fabric; and leakage pressure is positively correlated with the same parameters. These results show that it is important to consider wear conditions when assessing the long-term performance attributes of protective clothing assemblies.

The development of an objective method for evaluating transient sleeping environments

Poor sleep is the key sleep attribute that affects the overall recuperative quality of the sleep state [1]. A common approach in human sleep testing is to use subjects in an environmental chamber [2-4]. One of the significant limitations of this testing is its subjectivity and the small number of subjects [5]. The use of thermal manikins to measure thermal and vapour resistance is a standard method adopted for assessment of sleeping bags and has also been used to measure these attributes of a range of bedding systems, as well as different sleepwear [6].

Medical protective clothing

A broad overview is presented of current medical clothing with specific focus on surgical gowns. Along with the protective function of the surgical clothing, its performance attributes relevant to the thermophysiological and ergonomic comfort of the wearers are discussed. Types of materials used in surgical gowns are addressed including fibres, yarns, fabric constructions used, other materials such as membranes, and additional treatments including coatings and functional finishes. Limitations of current surgical gowns are investigated where comprehensive testing and analysis of comprising materials are carried out, along with thermal manikin testing of the experimental surgical gowns.