Formation mechanism of stickiness perception in dressed bodies under a hot environment: The effects of fabric properties, contact area, and skin wettedness

Individuals often experience discomfort from their clothes sticking to them due to perspiration. The objective of this study was to elucidate the formation mechanism underlying this stickiness perception (SP). To this end, a series of wear trials were conducted involving various garments and activities within a controlled thermal environment. Measurements of contact area, subjective evaluations, and physiological responses were obtained. The results showed that the effects of fabric properties, contact area, and skin wettedness on SP were contingent upon the intensity of physical activity. The relationship between skin wettedness and SP was characterized by an exponential growth function. Skin wettedness served as a reliable predictor of SP in an unsaturated state. A significantly positive correlation was observed between contact area and SP under conditions of high skin wettedness. Additionally, the air permeability, surface roughness, water absorption capacity, and elongation of the fabric showed negative influences on stickiness perception during various activity phases, except for the rest phase. However, their association between fabric properties and stickiness perception may only be statistically significant. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a more systematic investigation into the roles of fabric properties on stickiness perception. These insights can inform the optimized design of fabric configurations for summer garments, aiming to mitigate clothing discomfort associated with stickiness.