A wearing test for 15 different samples was performed on 10 female subjects to investigate the factors involved in the general comfort sensation of tights. In addition, the clothing pressure exerted by the tights was measured using a modified air bag system. The factors affecting comfort and comfortable clothing pressure of tights were analyzed. The results are as follows.
1) The sensation of 'Comfort' in wearing tights correlated with that of 'Wearing ease, ' 'Compressive sensation' and 'Mobility.' These sensations related to the values of WT1, WT2, EMT2, WC and SMD in their mechanical properties. This shows that the more roughness, extensibility and compression tights have, the better thier comfortability.
2) 'Compressive sensation on the abdomen, thigh, fossa poplitea, calf and ankle' correlated closely with the clothing pressure exerted on those parts. Furthermore, it is on the front abdomen, the back abdomen, the front thigh and the back calf respectively that the clothing pressure exerted by the tights related to the sensation of 'Comfort.' Therefore, the clothing pressure on these parts is important in designing comfortable tights.
3) Clothing pressure can be felt on each part. Furthermore, both the sensations of comfort and discomfort can be estimated by the low clothing pressure within a range of 0.1-0.3 kPa.
4) The pressure levels of comfortable tights were 0.18 kPa on the front abdomen, 0.28 kPa on the back abdomen, 0.35 kPa on the front thigh and 0.49 kPa on the back calf, respectively. The pressure levels of tights on the thigh and calf were about 0.2 kPa lower than those of panty hose.
