Wear, Sleep and Seating Comfort

Comfort is the result of dedicated, holistic product development.

It is not achieved with just one construction parameter (e.g. fiber materials). All parameters must be adjusted to climate and application.

Matt Sutton (Peter Millar) and Dr. Jan Beringer (Hohenstein) explored how subjective and measurable comfort are defined, developed and validated at Functional Fabric Fair in Orlando.

Comfort and functionality are important for clothing and home textiles. Textile materials and garment systems for many uses (e.g., everyday life, sports, workwear, personal protective equipment) must function, allow freedom of movement, support and enhance performance. The same applies to home and contract textiles. Comfortable bedding, for example, contributes to healthy sleep.

Comfort = Physics

Basically, textile comfort is about heat regulation and moisture management, the sensation on the skin and ergonomic design.

Body-Climate-Clothing Interaction

Illustration of heat and moisture transport from body, through clothing, to environment — Many factors contribute to comfortable clothing. Conversely, discomfort can cause stress, reducing the wearer's mental and physical performance.

Body-Climate-Bed Interaction

Illustration of heat and moisture transport from body, through bedding, to environment — The heat and moisture management of a bedding system impacts sleep quality.

Why Hohenstein?

Hohenstein has led the industry for over 80 years, researching the human-textile-climate interaction.

Eraina Duffy (SAXX) and Dr. Jan Beringer (Hohenstein) discussed scientific comfort measurement and SAXX's development process at Functional Fabric Fair in Portland.

We develop and apply scientific methods to objectively measure wear and sleep comfort in textile products.

Our expertise supports both product development and claim verification with reliable, data-driven insights:

Quantitative measurement and quality control of comfort-related material properties
Comfort assessment of products, materials and systems - including the influence of fit and pattern
Consulting for data-based development of comfort performance
Determination of range of utility for clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) based on climate and activity level
Evaluation of the (evaporative) cooling effect for materials and clothing systems

We collaborate with material developers, manufacturers and brands to optimize comfort across apparel, sportswear, workwear, PPE, bedding, sleeping bags, automotive seating and furniture — translating measurable performance into meaningful user experience.

Hohenstein sets the standards.

Our expertise is especially suited to creating testing plans around the end-user's needs. We conduct research, invent measurement methods and devices and correlate/verify the data.

We transfer this knowledge by writing standards and leading committees, as well as with the Hohenstein Academy.

Skin model ISO 11092
Physiological effects — Measurement of thermal and water-vapour resistance under steady-state conditions (sweating guarded-hotplate test)
Thermal manikin ISO 15831
Physiological effects — Measurement of thermal insulation by means of a thermal manikin
Liquid sweat on hotplate CEN/TR 16422
Classification of thermoregulatory properties
Evaporative cooling DIN SPEC 60015
Quantitative measurement of the evaporative heat loss of smart textile materials for work, sports/outdoor and leisure

PRESS RELEASE: HOHENSTEIN'S WATSON TESTING DEVICE ADOPTED AS THE STANDARD

Scientific Comfort Measurements

Heat and Moisture

Heat and Moisture Management

Breathability, heat insulation, sweat transport, cooling, warming

How effectively textiles or systems (ie. bedding, apparel or seating systems) retain heat or cool down
How effectively materials are able to transport sweat away from the skin and quickly release it into the environment

illustration of affects of body core temperature variations on humans — Extreme shifts in body core temperature are dangerous. Clothing should help keep the user's body temperature in the safe and comfortable range.

Fit/Ergonomics

Ergonomic Comfort

Always consider the user's motion and environment.

To what extent is comfort influenced by garment construction, fit and heat and moisture management?

Using our thermal manikins and climate chambers, we determine the heat and moisture management parameters of entire clothing and textile systems - in the expected ambient conditions - during the potential user's movements.

For example, in personal protective equipment (PPE), comfort plays a key role in safety and user acceptance. PPE must be tailored to the needs of the wearer - while working in emergency environments - and be comfortable during all motion sequences.

Fabric Testing

Specialized Heat and Moisture Measurements on Fabric

Through extensive research, we've developed or modified specialized equipment to reliably determine the physical parameters of heat and moisture management. To test for specific user scenarios, we use climate chambers to simulate use and climate conditions that are adjusted to the application.

Illustrations of 2 Hohenstein test methods for testing the comfort of materials — These Hohenstein devices measure evaporative heat loss (cooling power) and water vapor resistance (breathability) for textile materials.

Manikins

Thermal Insulation, Heat and Moisture Measurements on Garment, Bedding and Seating Systems

Images of Hohenstein's Thermal Testing Manikin, "Charlie" for testing heat insulation and "Sherlock" for testing heat and moisture management — Hohenstein tests the comfort of whole systems using thermal manikins, climate chambers and decades of experience.

Skin Sensation

Sensory Comfort Assessment

Scientifically Measured Skin Sensory Properties

We assess comfort using scientifically developed methods that translate subjective skin sensations into objective, measurable data.

Stiffness
How well does the textile adapt to the skin?
Sorption Index
How fast does the textile absorb a drop of water?
Wet Cling Index
How strong does the textile adhere to skin moistened by perspiration?

Body Analysis

Ergonomic comfort can be optimized through body movement analysis.

3D scans and analysis of body shape during 3 movements, from different angles — Body shape changes during movement, affecting range of motion, fit and even the protective function of a garment.

We use 4D scanning to measure body shape change during movements.

Man in a 4D scanner at Hohenstein, wearing a tshirt, shorts and sneakers, lifting a crate — Hohenstein experts analyze 4D scans during relevant movements - to see how movement affects the garment and how the garment affects movement (range of motion).

Downloads

Contact our comfort experts

Comfort Certifications

1
Breathable
2
Sleep Comfort
3
Climate Comfort
4
Thermal Insulation

Hohenstein Performance Index (HPI)

For sports and outdoor clothing, a three-layer clothing system is often recommended. Each layer fulfills a different function. Together, the layers optimize comfort for the specific use.

We test and classify the product performance of the individual clothing layers (DIN EN 16422). The tests characterize the thermoregulatory properties according to clothing layer and use case. Based on these results, we create a Hohenstein Performance Index for each product. The index allows users to compare individual materials/garments.

Learn more

Comfort Tests by Application

Hohenstein is at the forefront of comfort assessment for textiles, clothing, PPE, bedding, sleeping bags, vehicle seats, seating furniture and much more.

Consumer/Sports/Outdoor
Home/Contract
Medical
PPE/Military
Hygiene

Consumer/Sports/Outdoor

Apparel, Footwear, Sportswear, Athleisure, Uniforms, Children's Wear, Outerwear, etc.

Clothing forms a barrier between the human skin and the external environment. Materials and garments should support a wearer's performance and comfort, not restrict the body's natural mechanisms for maintaining physiological comfort and movement.

These tests are especially suitable for assessing the comfort of sports/outdoor clothing and other garments:

Thermal insulation (thermal resistance, DIN EN ISO 11092)
Breathability (water vapor resistance, DIN EN ISO 11092)
Sweat management (water vapor and liquid sweat, DIN EN 16422)
Thermal resistance of the moist textile and drying time
Dynamic drying (ISO 13029)
Cooling capacity (DIN SPEC 60015)
Skin sensorial comfort
Thermal insulation by means of a thermal manikin (DIN EN ISO 15831)
Thermal insulation of children's clothing
Breathability via sweating thermal manikin
Range of utility
Hohenstein Performance Index (DIN CEN/TR 16422)
Sleeping bags - upper and lower range of utility (DIN EN ISO 23537-1)

Hohenstein develops smart testing programs based on your target users and goals.

NAUMD x Hohenstein Webinar: Enhancing Safety and Productivity with Comfortable Uniforms

Home/Contract

Textile Materials and Products Used in Home or Contract Settings

Home textiles include bedding systems, mattresses, mattress covers, sheets, blankets, duvets, pillows, upholstered furniture, office chairs, towels, etc. Along with durability, safety and sustainability, comfort is a top priority.

These tests are especially suitable for assessing the comfort of home and contract textiles:

Thermal insulation (thermal resistance, DIN EN ISO 11092)
Breathability (water vapor resistance, DIN EN ISO 11092)
Sweat management (vapor permeability)
Skin sensory comfort
Thermal insulation with thermal manikin (DIN EN ISO 15831)
Breathability with sweating thermal manikin
Thermal insulation of children's duvets

Hohenstein develops smart testing programs based on your target users and goals.

Medical

Medical Textiles and Devices

Medical textiles (such as surgical masks, surgical gowns, bandages, medical uniforms, etc.) are closely linked to other technical textiles. Comfort requirements depend on the application of the medical textile.

These tests are especially suitable for assessing the comfort of medical textiles:

Thermal insulation (thermal resistance, DIN EN ISO 11092)
Breathability (water vapor resistance, DIN EN ISO 11092)
Sweat management (vapor permeability)
Thermal resistance of the moist textile and drying time
Dynamic drying (ISO 13029)
Skin sensory comfort
Thermal insulation with thermal manikin (DIN EN ISO 15831)
Breathability with sweating thermal manikin

Hohenstein develops smart testing programs based on your target users and goals.

PPE/Military

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) / Military

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and military textiles include garments and face/body coverings, some of which are used in extreme conditions. The main task is to protect the wearer from external threats such as heat, flames, cold, electrical charges or moisture. These conditions place complex demands on textiles. In addition to their protective function, they must be durable and comfortable.

These tests are especially suitable for assessing the garments with protective functions:

Thermal insulation (thermal resistance, DIN EN ISO 11092)
Breathability (water vapor resistance, DIN EN ISO 11092)
Sweat management (vapor permeability)
Thermal resistance of the moist textile and drying time
Dynamic drying (ISO 13029)
Cooling capacity (DIN SPEC 60015)
Skin sensory comfort
Thermal insulation with thermal manikin (DIN EN ISO 15831)
Range of utility
Protective clothing: Clothing systems and garments for protection against cold (DIN EN 342)
Protective clothing: Garments for protection against cool environments (DIN EN 14058)
Effective thermal insulation in water (EN ISO 15027-3)
Breathability with sweating thermal manikin
Electrostatic properties (DIN EN 1149-1,-2, -3 and -5, DIN EN 61340-4-9)
Comfort and mobility of ballistic armor (collaboration with DuPont Kevlar)

Hohenstein develops smart testing programs based on your target users and goals.

Hygiene

Hygiene Products

Disposable and reusable hygiene products include wipes, sanitary towels, diapers and incontinence products, etc. Because hygiene products are used and worn close to the body, a good feeling on the skin and comfortable heat and moisture management are important.

These tests are especially suitable for assessing the hygiene products and materials:

Thermal insulation (thermal resistance, DIN EN ISO 11092)
Breathability (water vapor resistance, DIN EN ISO 11092)
Skin sensory comfort
Friction

Hohenstein develops smart testing programs based on your target users and goals.

Improve Comfort with Customized Testing

Meet Dr. Jan Beringer.

Visit the Hohenstein Academy to view these webcasts:

WestPoint Hospitality wanted to develop more comfortable bedding.

"[Hohenstein's] expertise in the sleep comfort and the moisture transport and the heat transport through the sleep chamber is second to none in the marketplace."

- Keith Lang, Senior Vice President, WestPoint Hospitality

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