Functional properties

The functional properties of performance sportswear fabrics, such as mechanical properties, moisture management and thermal regulation, are determined by a combination of fibre, yarn and fabric properties which may be enhanced by appropriate finishing treatments.

In relation to the comfort of clothing there seems to be agreement that the movement of heat and moisture vapour through a garment are probably the most important factors. The kind of contact between the skin and fabric is also important, is it sticky or slippy, is it hard or soft?

Frictional and electrostatic behaviour obviously influence comfort. Also the weight, pattern and fit and elasticity will affect the compliance to movement. There is a widespread belief that a range of physiological, psychological and physical factors together determine the comfort of garments in use.

In the case of sportswear, although comfort is important, protection may be of even more importance in terms of the prevention of injury, the provision of a barrier from life-threatening conditions or the enhancement of the dynamic properties of clothing. In addition to physical injury, harm may be caused by a variety of other agencies such as heat and electromagnetic radiation. The threat may be external or related to homeostasis.