EFFECT OF HYGROSCOPIC FABRICS ON WEAR COMFORT IN THE FLUCTUATING MICROCLIMATE OF CLOTHING

1. A new type of simulator for clothing microclimate was designed and constructed. 2. The simulator was designed to simulate the humidity fluctuation of clothing microclimate as observed under light working conditions and to measure the surface temperature of sample fabrics against the skin by means of a radiation thermometer. 3. Knitted fabrics of cotton and polyester, and polyethylene films were used as specimens with different hygroscopicities. 4. The quick rise and fall in the surface temperature of cotton fabric was observed under rapid fluctuations of the microclimate humidity. 5. Under the same humidity fluctuations, the temperature of polyester fabric rose and fell more moderately than that of cotton fabrics, and the temperature of the polyethylene film did not change. When the rate of change in stimulus temperature is higher, the threshold temperature of warm sensation of the skin comes closer to a given adaption temperature. 6. Therefore, the rapid and large changes in the fabric temperature against the skin, which were observed especially for hygroscopic cotton fabric, must affect the thermal comfort of clothing.