Relevant fabric parameters to be considered for optimizing combined drying and support properties of sports bras

The use of textile science and innovative approaches in the development and manufacturing of multifunctional fabrics for sports bras has continuously grown in the last decades, contributing to female well-being and health. The fabrics used for sports bras must be lightweight and have good heat and moisture management properties. A sports bra must provide appropriate stabilization, as the most important and original functionality, while providing optimal thermal comfort. In this work, we examined basic fabric properties influencing the key functionalities, stabilization, and drying. Besides properties such as mass, thickness, water vapor permeability, air permeability, and relative porosity, thermal comfort (water uptake and drying) and mechanical properties (stabilization and support) were investigated. Multiple-linear regression statistical analysis was conducted to identify the most relevant variables and fabric characteristics for stabilization and drying. In addition, a “five-point” benchmarking and ranking system was established for performance assessment of the investigated knitted fabrics. With the proposed approach, we were able to identify the most suitable fabric from a set of benchmarking materials. This fabric exhibited a quick drying time of 16 minutes, along with high air permeability (312 mm/s), excellent moisture management, and very good dynamic elastic recovery (89%) and support. We successfully identified key fabric properties that define fabric drying and stabilization performance by applying models based on Multiple-linear regression. This provides the basis for the informed selection of fabrics for the systematic development of sports bras.