Summary of Laboratory and Field Comfort Studies on Candidate Fabrics for a Year-Round Uniform
Abstract
The program objective was to choose a year-round uniform from three candidate fabrics to replace the two uniforms (lightweight 50/50 polyester/ cotton and 55/45 polyester/wool tropical) currently in use. The candidate fabrics were 55/45 polyester/wool, and 100 polyester. Laboratory techniques employed for psychological assessment of trouser comfort by 27 men, and later 25 women, were the same. A large-scale field study involving 1100 to 1400 Army personnel was conducted to evaluate both durability and comfort of the 3 candidate fabrics for a proposed year-round uniform. Personnel from 28 installations wore a uniform constructed from one of these fabrics for the entire year. The trouser test showed the 50/50 polyester/cotton control was most comfortable for both men and women, and the 100% polyester experimental least comfortable. The full uniform field test showed that the level of comfort improved with increasing levels of fabric polyester. 100% polyester uniform was judged most comfortable by 78% of the respondents.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA172010
Entities
People
- Mervin O. Parker Jr.
- Norman R. Hollies