Body mapping as a method for design and engineering of functional clothing

There is an increased demand for innovative-engineered functional clothing for medical use, where not only body morphology and comprising materials are considered but also the responses to the body-garment-function interaction are assessed. The aim of this study is to establish a method for designing and engineering of therapeutic garments - specifically therapeutic gloves and maternity support garments - with enhanced fit, comfort and functionality. 3D body scanning technology and visual analysis of stretch materials were used to examine the locations where the skin strains the most and determine the elongation and contraction of clothing placed on a hand and a pregnant body. The results obtained from the experimental work were then translated into body mapping for development of the segmented therapeutic garment with improved fit, comfort and functionality that ultimately would increase user adherence to the therapy. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge with a new scientific basis for future design of functional clothing and highlights the importance of future research into body-garment-function interaction for establishing design criteria when developing therapeutic garments.