Experimental study on the thermal regulation performance of winter uniform used for high school students

Abstract

To understand the effectiveness of some garment adjustment designs for high school uniform in winter, manikin tests and subjective wear trials were carried out. Five series of school uniform ensembles were involved in the experiments. They were further collocated into 17 ensemble configurations with detachable designs (ensembles A and B) and opening structures (ensembles C, D, and E). As manikin test results showed, the thermal insulation of ensembles A, B and C varied most significantly due to their adjustment design. The possible thermal insulation regulation levels were approximately 68% and 80% for ensembles A and B, and 60% and 90% for ensemble C. Two human trials that simulated students’ daily movements between indoor and outdoor classes were conducted with ensemble A. Two climate chambers were used at the same time for indoor and outdoor environment simulation. In Case X, where ensemble A was assumed to be non-detachable, skin temperatures that were 0.6℃ lower were finally observed compared to Case Y, where ensemble A was detachable. Moreover, significantly (p < 0.1) better thermal comfort and thermal sensation evaluations were given during low-intensity activities in Case Y, especially for the torso segments. The detachable high school uniform design was finally proved to be efficient in improving human thermal comfort under various class environments. It was also concluded that more protective measures should be adopted for the hands and face in the school uniform design process.