Comfort testing and fit analysis of military textiles

Schmidt, R. Paul, E. Classen, S. Morlock, J. Beringer Hohenstein Institute for Textile Innovation gGmbH, Boennigheim, Germany 

Clothing is the first line of defense for the wearer, not only in an emergency situation, bnt also in their daily routine. Occupational hazards determine the extent of protection that clothing has to offer. Protective textile materials can be broadly classified as impermeable, semipermeable, air permeable, and selectively permeable materials. Although the majority of commercially available protective textiles available for end users consist of impermeable clothing, protection offered by impermeable clothing often comes at the expense of breathability and other comfort characteristics of textiles. This eventually results in high levels of discomfort and extreme physical stress for the wearer. 

The deployment of soldiers to areas with extreme climates has put new demands on the functions of military clothing for weather protection and comfort. Nowadays, military clothing plays a key role in protecting soldiers and it must perform several functions in the most rugged conditions, and has to be adapted to different fields of operation. At the same time, it is highly desirable that the clothing remain durable and above all, comfortable. 

In combat situations, balUslic protective vests should protect from bullets and shell splinters. Therefore a high protection level is the main target in development. On the other hand, wear comfort of such vests is limited, especially when the wearer sweats, due to heat and/or iuCTeased physical activity. This unsatisfactory wear comfort is a risk for soldiers too, eg, when feeling too warm, or clothing is scratching the skin, they will be deflected. Furthermore, too warm clothing systems reduce physical fimess, and in extreme cases, can cause hyperthermia. 

Strict performance requirements are met and, ultimately, the soldier is properly protected to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of military operations. 

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