Radiant Heat Transfer Capabilities of Activewear Fabrics Analyzed by Infrared Thermography

Clothing provides a layer of insulation for the human body and inflicts a barrier to heat transfer between the skin surface and the external environment, which can complicate the body’s thermoregulatory function (Stapleton, Hardcastle, & Kenny, 2011). Therefore, many garments have been designed in the apparel industry with the purpose of providing enhanced heat dissipation, moisture management, and overall thermal comfort when worn during circumstances promoting heat stress, such as engagement in physical activity while in heated environments (Fohr, Couton, & Treguier, 2002)