Evaluating thermal performance of sewn-through baffled jackets using spacer stitching and conventional sewing via advanced thermal manikin

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Sewing is one of the oldest known joining technologies and is historically used to prepare protection wear against harsh weather conditions. It remains a fundamental technique for manufacturing insulated garments, including jackets, sleeping bags, and other cold-weather apparel. Traditionally, these products are usually composed of textile fabrics and insulation materials which are joined together via sewn-through methods. While effective in securing layers of textile and insulation materials, conventional sewing techniques have an inherent limitation that is, the compression along stitch lines. This compression creates thermal bridges that allow heat to escape, reducing the overall thermal efficiency of the garment. To overcome this issue, an innovative sewing method called “Spacer Stitching” has been developed. Unlike conventional methods, Spacer Stitching maintains a 3D stitch structure and minimizes compression along stitch lines, preserving the insulation’s loft and enhancing thermal resistance. This study evaluates the thermal performance of jackets made using spacer stitching compared to those constructed with conventional sewn-through methods. Two identical jackets were produced, differing only in their stitching technique. To accurately measure thermal performance, an advanced thermal manikin was used under stationary conditions. The experimental results revealed that jackets made with Spacer stitching exhibited significantly higher thermal resistance than those made with conventional methods. Additionally, the spacer stitching technique minimized cold spots and maintained more consistent insulation, leading to improved overall thermal comfort. These findings demonstrate the potential of spacer stitching to revolutionize the design of insulated apparel, offering enhanced thermal efficiency and comfort for cold-weather applications.

Details

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics
Early online date21 Aug 2025
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-7391-3551/work/209582519
Mendeley ce1ec378-d9db-3f66-b601-643a16732298

Keywords

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