Investigation of Visual and Physiological Indicators of Comfort and Effectiveness Related to the Design of Firefighter Uniforms

A focus group meeting with 6 firefighters and the fire chief in Ithaca, NY provided us with information on the problems that firefighters have with their gear, including requests for: less bulky and lighter gear; fewer restrictions in the crotch of the pants; less restriction from the air tank; more comfortable suspenders; more dexterity in the gloves; and adjustable fit for weight loss and gain. We then identified 5 positions, including three active poses and two range of motion postures, that would help us isolate potential areas of improved fit.

Three firefighters were scanned in 6 poses (a standing pose, 3 active poses, and 2 range of movement poses) for 6 clothing conditions (station uniform and 5 turnout gear models). Preliminary work on the scans shows good potential for analysis of fit, using merged scans of the firefighter in station gear in each position, and scans of the same firefighter in the suits.

Bra and Body Shaper Study

This research project is designed to investigate bra and body-shaper sizing, fit, and styling based on standard sizing techniques. First, we will determine if the subject is wearing the correct bra size, based on her measurements. Then the subject will try our bra and body shaper styles in the appropriate size, and we will use our body scanner to create 3D images of these garments. In addition, we will use pressure sensors to measure the clothing pressure at key areas. We will also gather information on the subject's reactions to the size, fit, and style of these products.

Comparison of Virtual Fit Avatars in Judging the Fit of Women’s Jeans

In this study, we compared reliability, acceptability to the consumer, and predictive validity of consumers’ responses to three kinds of virtual garment fit images: from the internet site My Virtual Model™ (MVM); an apparel CAD program ‘i-designer’; and the 3D body scanner.

We made three types of virtual models of 30 female participants, ages 18 to 25, who fell within the selected jean sizes 6 to14. The test garment chosen for the study was a boot cut blue jeans style with slight flare since it was likely to provide the most acceptable fit within the participant pool and is a preferred style of the selected target market. The participants were scanned with our Human Solutions Vitus body scanner for measurements. They then tried on a pair of the study jeans and were scanned and photographed in the jeans.

The first avatar was created using the measurements from the body scan according to the instructions on the MVM™ website. A second avatar was created in the patternmaking and virtual fit software ‘i-designer’, which uses a computer algorithm to construct the avatar from the 3D body scan data. A pattern was made from the test jeans, and these jeans were virtually fitted to each participant’s avatar in ‘i-designer’. Finally, a third avatar was made from each participant’s body scan. The scan was modified to smooth areas of the body and to compress the stomach, as the jeans do when worn. A separate scan of the jeans was overlaid on the body to demonstrate fit.

Participants returned to view their three avatars and rated the avatars on how accurate they felt each avatar was, which image they liked the best, and which image they would trust as a virtual fit avatar. They were also asked if the virtual fit experience would make them more likely to purchase online, and how confident they would be that they would find good fit based on each different virtual avatar.

Comparative Study of Sizing Systems of Athletic Apparel

This research study is a collaborative effort between Nike and Cornell University. Nike has begun to develop garments using a revised system of apparel sizing, and this study seeks to determine whether one of the two sizing systems will offer better fit for the participants.

Nike has provided us with two sets of T-shirts and running shorts, one set produced using their traditional sizing system and one produced using their newly revised sizing system. We have scanned the participants wearing the garments and asked them to fill out surveys recording their responses to the garments’ fit. A subset of 6 to 15 participants will also be given two pairs of shorts to test for one week. They will record their impressions on fit and function in a journal format.

Lower Body Surface Change Analysis Using a 3-D Body Scanner and Application to Pants Patterns

Previous research on body measurements by 3-D body scanners has mostly been based on a standing position. A seated position is, of course, used frequently in daily life, and therefore, this pose would be significant in future research of body measurements by 3-D body scanners. The subjects of this research were 25 female university students of average physical shape. Body surface length and circumference of lower body were measured when the subjects took four positions: standing; 135-degree knee-bend; one step forward; and sitting with 90-degree knee angle. By examining the differences of body surface length and circumference in each posture and calculating appropriate ease of circumference and length in pants patterns that affect wearer's comfort and movement, this study intended to provide data necessary for the development of pants patterns.