In Vivo Cutaneous and Perceived Comfort Response to Fabric

We studied stratum corneum water content, water evaporation from the skin surface, capillary blood flow, and skin temperature under three different garments worn by ten female subjects exercising and resting in a hot, humid environment (29.4°C, 75% RH). Single jersey knit fabrics made from 100% 1.5 denier polyester, 100% 3.5 denier polyester, or 100% cotton were made into long sleeve T-shirts and pants. Measures of stratum corneum water content using a microwave probe, evaporative water loss using an Evaporimeter, capillary blood flow using a laser Doppler velocimetry instrument, as well as skin temperature, were assessed on the upper back at four times during the wear protocol. An analysis of variance showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the noninvasive skin measurements under the three fabrics. Statistically significant differences in the skin measurements did occur as the kind of activity differed during the wear protocol. Results are discussed in terms of the fabric thermal and mechanical data presented in Parts I and II of this series.