Development of a transducer for detecting pressure load between a garment and the body

Garment pressure and its relation to the body is important in the fit and function of clothing. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a transducer to measure the perpendicular pressure between a garment (brassiere) and the underlying skin of the shoulders, breast and back. A transducer was developed through experimentation based on the principles of the Natick lab pneumatic bladders. The transducer was connected to a system which assisted in data collection. This study revealed that it is possible to develop an inexpensive transducer that is reliable for data collection. The ability to evaluate garments in an objective manner could be combined with the subjective analysis of a model wearing a test garment. The analysis could provide information for redesigning a garment that is both functional and comfortable.