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In-depth knowledge of fabric microstructure is essential for understanding clothing comfort since it plays a significant role in heat and mass transfer between the human body and clothing. In this study, a novel method was employed for investigating 3D surfaces and solid construction characteristics of specific fabrics by using a reverse engineering technique. The surface construction data were obtained by a confocal laser scanning microscope and then manipulated by a 3D analysis program. Triangle mesh was used for connecting each 3D point, with clouds and fabric surface characteristics created by rendering techniques. For generating a 3D solid model, determinants of radius of curvature was used. According to the proposed method, actual surface expression of the real fabric was achieved successfully. The results from this methodology can be applied to the detailed analysis of clothing comfort that is highly influenced by the microstructure of the fabric.

The purpose of this study was to explore effects of pattern alteration using a virtual clothing simulation approach in combination with 3D analysis software. Three raglan sleeves of different patterns were worn by an avatar using virtual clothing simulation with silk and cotton as the test fabrics. It was observed that the silhouette and hemline shape were affected differently based on raglan sleeve pattern and fabric type. By examining clothing pressure distribution, the cotton fabric designs and pattern shapes provided for a variety of influences on armhole and bust regions as well as the back sleeve area. For representative locations, cross section circumstance, cross section area, and volume were measured by using 3D analysis and the resulting correlation between the 2D and 3D data were investigated. Among different fabrics, there was little difference between the 2D and 3D clothing surface area. However, when using 3D analysis, clothing volume was significantly affected by different fabrics and pattern types. By simultaneously adopting the virtual simulator and 3D analysis, quantitative assessment of virtual clothing simulation was successfully conducted. In light of the results of this study, the resulting methodology is expected to be used as a comprehensive evaluation tool for virtual clothing simulation wear testing.

Effects of the ease of pattern on the thermal conditions of clothing were investigated through the measurement of clothing surface temperatures using infrared thermography. Four vests with different pattern ease were worn by five male subjects. Surface temperature distribution on the clothing were then examined using a thermogram to view thermo-regulating characteristics affected by the ease of pattern. Representative surface temperatures were calculated based on the percentage of the surface area within a certain temperature range and the midpoint value of the corresponding area. Representative surface temperatures matches well to the thermal insulation value measured by thermal manikin. Results indicated that representative surface temperature could be a useful quantitative value if some simple calculations were to be used alongside accurate image processing.