Dynamic Surface Wetness of Fabrics in Relation to Clothing Comfort

Abstract

Moisture from perspiration collects in and passes through clothing as worn, and the properties of clothing fabrics influence both the collection and passage of this moisture. The selection and measure of moisture properties that relate to comfort in wear has proved to be more difficult than first perceived. Dynamic surface wetness of fabrics has been found to correlate with skin contact comfort in wear for a variety of fabric types, suggesting that mobility of thin films of condensed moisture is an important element of wearing comfort. This paper discusses how dynamic surface wetness is measured and calibrated against color standards used in the measurement.