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Effect of Workwear Fit on Thermal Insulation: Assessment Using 3D Scanning Technology
Magdalena Młynarczyk1, Joanna Orysiak1, Jarosław Jankowski2
1The Department of Ergonomics, Central Institute for Labour Protection-National Research Institute, Czerniakowska St. 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 14, 2025
Summary
Clothing fit significantly impacts thermal insulation. Optimal insulation is achieved with a snug fit, as excessively large air gaps do not improve warmth and can even reduce it.
Area of Science:
- Clothing science
- Textile engineering
- Human factors in ergonomics
Background:
- Thermal insulation in clothing is crucial for comfort and performance.
- It is influenced by material properties and the air gaps between layers.
- Understanding the relationship between fit, air gaps, and insulation is vital for workwear design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of garment size (fit) on air gap formation in workwear.
- To quantify the influence of air gap size and volume on thermal insulation under static and dynamic conditions.
- To determine the optimal air gap parameters for maximizing thermal insulation in workwear.
Main Methods:
- Thermal insulation was measured using a thermal manikin in a climatic chamber.
- Air gaps were quantified using 3D scanning and Blender 3D software.
- Dynamic conditions included simulated walking and arm movements.
Main Results:
- A second-order polynomial relationship (R2 > 0.8) was established between total thermal insulation and air gap size/volume.
- Thermal insulation did not improve when air gaps exceeded approximately 30 mm or 50-55 dm³ in volume.
- Peak thermal insulation (~0.23 m²°C/W) occurred with a close-fitting garment, avoiding excessive tightness.
Conclusions:
- Garment fit is a critical determinant of thermal insulation performance in workwear.
- Beyond a certain threshold, larger air gaps do not enhance, and may even diminish, thermal insulation.
- Workwear design should prioritize a close fit to optimize thermal insulation, rather than relying on large air gaps for warmth.
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