Wetness sensation is a crucial factor affecting wear comfort. In this study, a measurement method that is capable of characterizing the subjective wetness sensation of various textile products, such as sportswear, leisurewear, uniforms and health-care products, was developed. A subjective rating scale was adopted for response measurement and 20 different fabrics varying in fiber composition, yarn type and fabric structure were evaluated by 22 subjects. The testing procedure was standardized, ensuring within-subject reliability and between-subject consistency. This method also displays high sensitivity and the result is rational with barely to slightly wet sensation for the absorbing fabrics and very wet feeling for the hydrophobic ones. In addition, an objective measurement method for evaluating the horizontal wicking area of fabrics utilizing the image analysis technique was developed. Using conventional testing instruments, such as the Gravimetric Absorbency Testing System, Moisture Management Tester, international standard testing methods and the proposed horizontal wicking tester, various objective water absorption and transport properties were measured and their correlation with the subjective wetness rating was studied. Horizontal wicking area and water absorption capacity of fabrics were found to have strong correlation with subjective wetness sensation.

No abstract

Wet and clingy sensation caused by fabric is activated by thermoreceptors and mechanoreceptors and is critical to wearers' thermophysiological and tactile comfort. This study aims at quantifying the absolute threshold for wet and clingy sensation of apparel fabrics using a psychophysical approach and measuring the residual moisture left on skin through a physical approach. A volar forearm test is proposed where water supply and controlled fabric movement are used to simulate sweating and body movement during wear. The results show that the volar forearm test has good withinjudge reliability, between-judge consistency and high sensitivity. The difference in absolute threshold of wet and clingy sensation of fabrics can be attributed to the difference in wicking rate, evaporation rate, geometry and thermal properties of fabrics. The results further suggest that a clingy sensation is triggered when the residual water accumulated on the skin exceeds 0.013 gram, given that the covering fabric is water absorbent. Besides, the absolute threshold for wet and clingy sensation was found strongly correlated with the instrumentally measured water absorption capacity of the fabric. Furthermore, results obtained by the psychophysical threshold method were compared with the psychological wetness rating scale method, and the former was found to be advantageous in terms of testing sensitivity.

No abstract