Abstract:

In order to explore evaluation methods of prickle sensation evoked by underwear fabrics from the physical, psychological adn physiological aspects. Fabric surface hairiness diameter and length of 14 kinds of common underwear were tested. Subjective assessment and Galvanic skin response was used to evaluate prickle sensation of underwear fabrics. The ersult shows that the fabric surface hairiness of axial bending compression is the main cause of the prickle sensation. Fiber types and diameter and length of fiber are important factors affecting prickle sensation. Wool fiber often leads to prickle sensation easily, and the higher of the wool fiber content, the more intense prickle. It finds that the more intense prickle of fabric, the sympathetic nervous excitement gets excited more easily when skin contacts with the fabric. Sympathetic innervation of sweat glands secretes sweat causing skin resistance decreases. As a result, it causes increases on skin conductivity. Therefore, galvanic skin response can be as the physiological evaluation method of prickle sensation.

Key words: rnderwear fabric, prickle sensation, fiber trait, galvanic skin response