Evaluation of perceived comfort and functional performance of activewear

Perceived comfort has been identified as one of the most important attributes in how consumers perceive the acceptability and desirability of functional apparel products in markets worldwide. The properties of materials and intensity of activity influence interactions between the human body and activewear, which result in different subjective sensations and could alter the functional performance during exercise. In this chapter, the processes that contribute to perceived comfort and evaluation of perceived comfort with the use of activewear are discussed. Different methods, technologies, and devices that are used to assess the functional performance of activewear in terms of the fabric and clothing levels are reviewed and discussed, including an evaluation on the: (1) physical, (2) mechanical, (3) thermo-moisture, and (4) biochemical properties based on a two-dimensional scale, as well as evaluations that use (5) manikins, and (6) psycho-physiological and (7) biomechanical factors (pressure, motion) with human trials based on a three-dimensional scale. Relevant research findings on comfort and functional performance related to activewear and other types of garments are reviewed and discussed.