Compact RF Sensors for Monitoring Thermo-physiological Comfort of Sportswear

The development of new competitive sportswear requires the analysis and the optimization of many textile properties. In particular, the thermophysiological behavior related to the sportswear plays a crucial role, having a direct impact on the athlete's performance. A way to investigate thermophysiological comfort consists in the continuous monitoring of humidity and temperature of the air layer between the skin and the item of clothing. However, this analysis can not be carried out by means of classical instruments, which are usually too big and require the use of wires. For these reasons, the possibility of employing miniaturized smart buttons, as wireless wearable sensors, is investigated and discussed.