Page 197 - Anthropometry, Apparel Sizing and Design

190 Anthropometry, Apparel Sizing and Design

7.3.2 Methods to analyze the human-garment interface

The development of an optimal fit for mass production is a challenge due to a variety
of factors. A decisive criterion is the heterogeneity of the clothing sizes and body
shapes of the customers (Morlock and Schenk, 2016; Boorady, 2011). What influence
do they have on the interaction between user and product? This should be considered
for workwear, particularly PPE. Especially here the fit during movement is of vital
importance. Initial research approaches to the analysis of the human-garment interface
aimed for an objective evaluation of the products in terms of range of movement and
reach. Thus Saul and Jaffe (1955) developed 28 performance tests to research the
impairment of gross motor skills through military clothing; an example is the subject
sits on the floor with their feet on the test structure. He bends forward as far as pos-
sible, and with a bar on the structure, the hip mobility can be quantified (see Fig. 7.16
on the left).

(A)

Shoulder flexion Shoulder horizontal flexion Hip abduction
(B)
Fig. 7.16 Examples for the analysis of the range of motion (Watkins and Dunne, 2015; Adams
and Keyserling, 1993).