Source:Textile Review


The primary purposes of military clothing have alwaysbeen protection, functionality, and identification. In general, comfort hastaken a secondary role to these other factors. Many textile researchers havecaptured the trade off that has to be made between providing protection versusthe clothing comfort. It is very important to know that any human being cannotperform satisfactorily until they are completely comfortable. In an overallunderstanding, we consider the comfort as how an individual feels wearing afabric.

Throughout the ages, fighting men have worn protectiveclothing or armour, and since the Middle Ages military forces have adoptedstandards of military clothing that we refer to as 'uniforms'. The primarypurposes of military clothing have always been protection, functionality, andidentification. In general, comfort has taken a secondary role to these otherfactors. Many textile researchers have captured the trade off that has to bemade between providing protection versus the clothing comfort. It is veryimportant to know that any human being cannot perform satisfactorily until theyare completely comfortable. In an overall understanding, we consider thecomfort as how an individual feels wearing a fabric. Comfort properties mainlycomprises of three main areas - thermal, tactile and fit of the garment. Inthis report, you will see the various properties that influence the comfort ofthe military clothing. Effort has been made to describe about the varioustesting procedures for the testing of the comfort properties of the militaryclothing also.


War is not something which started in the middle ages.People from different countries and areas have.been fighting from the ancientperiod, mainly for land power and other basic resources. We know the warriorsin the ancient period wore protective armour, and by the starting of middle ageand henceforth, military forces have adopted standards of military clothingwhat is known as 'Uniforms'. The primary purposes of the military clothing havealways been protection, functionality, and identification - protection fromprojectiles, explosions, toxic chemicals and gases, extreme environments,radiation; functionality to aid in the performance of military tasks quickly,effectively and with a minimum of energy expenditure; and identification offriend and foe. In general, comfort has always taken a secondary role in militarytextiles.

Slater in the year 1996, mentioned in his paper 'Comfort orProtection: the clothing dilemma' that 'human beings cannot functionsatisfactorily if they are not completely comfortable'. For instance, lowmoisture permeability in the garment can lead to heat stress, profuse sweatingwhich impedes visual, cognitive and physical performance. Abrasive materialscan cause chafing in the skin. These can give raise to psychological discomfortthat interferes with motivation and wiIIingness to perform high-risk missions.


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About the Author


Author is currently pursuing Final Year in Bachelor ofTextiles in Textile Technology in DKTES Textile and Engineering Institute, Shivaji University, Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, India.


Originallypublished in Textile Review: February 2010