Improving thermal comfort in clothing

Introduction: 

 Thermal comfort of clothing is the basic or primary need.

  Function of clothing is to maintain thermal balance so that the body surface feels comfortable.

  Three main elements that affect thermal comfort are condition of environment, clothing & person themselves. 

 Body exchange heat with surrounding atmosphere through radiation, conduction , convection and evaporation .

  Human body is continuously generating heat at a rate depending on the physical activity. 

  During sleeping lowest heat generation occurs and during hard working higher level of heat generation occurs. 

 When heat generation is higher body must loose excess heat to maintain constant body core temperature to 37°C 

 Large amount of sweat and high body temperature are the out come of intensive activity. 

 If excess heat and moisture are not effectively released from the body, heat stress may occur. If moisture vapor can`t transfer out from the garment , accumulation of vapor will lead to liquid form and the wearer feels discomfortable. 

 Function of clothing is to improve heat & moisture transfer from body surface whether they are T-shirt, Jacket or protective clothing. 

 Garment design, fit etc. also plays important role in achieving the ideal performance of clothing.