ABSTRACT
Models and parameters that describe the thermal properties of clothing allow a clothing specification to be produced. In cold conditions, sufficient levels of thermal insulation will be required; in hot conditions, a level of vapour permeation will be required to allow sweat to evaporate. It is important to be able to measure the thermal properties of clothing, to specify requirements and to test to see if the clothing meets those requirements. Clothing specifications for existing clothing will be useful for clothing selection and also as part of a contract, between a client and a manufacturer, for the procurement of clothing. This may involve a technical specification; however, the overriding requirement will be that the clothing meets a performance specification when it is worn by the user group. If comfort is required then asking people if they are comfortable, under applied conditions, may be sufficient, even if the reasons are not fully understood. The technical specification is therefore part of the systematic process in the development of clothing that meets a performance specification. Measuring the thermal properties of materials and clothing, specifying requirements in terms of those properties as well as in terms of subjective and physiological responses and identifying what is expected of the clothing in the wider context of the ‘organisation’ or system are all part of the testing and development of clothing.
