The Impact of Knitted Linked Seams on Comfort and Friction Perception

Abstract

Friction from knitted clothing can cause discomfort and skin issues, underscoring the importance of tactile comfort for wearers. Seamless knitted garments are assumed to be comfortable to wear, yet there is little understanding of their tactile comfort in comparison to linked seams - the most common form of knitted garment. This novel study examines the influence of a garments knitted structural architecture on clothing comfort and wearability by investigating skin friction and tactile perception across ten body regions in both male and female participants, using two commonly utilised materials and seam designs: cotton and merino wool with plain and linked seams. The impact of seam design and regional factors on skin friction and tactile perception was analysed, revealing varying levels across tested body regions. Removing seams exposed a greater surface area to skin contact, leading to higher perceived friction levels. As such, structural elements in knitted garments enhance wearer comfort. Seamless knitwear manufacturing offers a more environmentally conscious option compared to traditional cut-and-sew processes. This study investigated the impact of knitted garment material and structure on wearer comfort by analysing skin friction and tactile perception across ten upper body regions. Removing seams increased garment-to-skin contact leading to wearer discomfort.