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Texas Trooper Uniforms: Assessment of Fabrics, Comfort, and Wear
Author(s) -
Horridge Patricia E.,
Caddel D. Kay,
Simonton James L.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
family and consumer sciences research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.372
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1552-3934
pISSN - 1077-727X
DOI - 10.1177/1077727x02030003002
Subject(s) - clothing , dry cleaning , wool , forensic engineering , engineering , test (biology) , textile , architectural engineering , composite material , materials science , waste management , paleontology , archaeology , biology , history
Using the physical dimension triad of Branson and Sweeney's Model for Clothing Comfort as a conceptual framework, the purpose of the study was to examine the effects of cotton/wool fabrics on comfort and wear of trooper uniforms. Participants were 10 troopers recruited for wear‐ testing uniforms developed in accordance to Texas Department of Public Safety specifications. Trooper shirt and pants fabrics were developed in two fiber contents (80/20 and 70/30 cotton/wool) and tested before and after dry‐cleaning. Twenty constructed uniforms and 10 issued uniforms were worn through four wear‐refurbishing‐dry‐cleaning cycles. Surveys and scales were used to gather data during and after wear testing; data were analyzed by t‐test and ANOVAs. Branson and Sweeney's comfort model was supported, in part, with person attributes (body weight, hours uniform worn) affecting uniform comfort. Implications are given for fabric producers and garment manufacturers.