Compression textiles as adjuvant physical interventions are increasingly applied for prophylaxis and treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), providing benefits of calibrated compression and controlled stretch. Pressure dosage delivered and mechanical properties (stiffness, elasticity and hysteresis) are determined by material nature, stitches structures, fabrication technology and delivery modes. Laplace’s Law and Pascal’s Law contribute to elaborate the static and dynamic working mechanisms behind the interaction between compression interventions and a biological body. However, there is still a lack of sufficient awareness on compression materials, and there is controversy regarding the best solution for clinical application of compression. This study integrates the views from physiology, pathophysiology, biomechanics, material science and textile engineering, to review and clarify physical–mechanical characteristics of compression materials, working mechanisms of textile-based compression interventions and their medical benefits in chronic venous insufficiency treatment. The aim is to enhance understanding of compression textiles applied in compression therapy, and to facilitate cooperation among multiple parties working in related supply chains, thus promoting textile-based compression interventions in chronic venous insufficiency treatment and growth of technical textiles applied in healthcare, medical and rehabilitation fields.

Investigates the potential for building smart seams by incorporating optic fibers ultrasonically. The heating and bonding mechanisms of ultrasonic welding process in fabrics were studied. Battle dress uniform (BDU) (50/50 nylon/cotton), 100 percent cotton, 100 percent polyester and Nomex fabrics were used and were bonded ultrasonically with and without polyurethane adhesives. The effects of three important welding parameters, namely weld pressure, weld time and amplitude of vibration, on the joint strength and the temperature profile at the interface were examined. The temperature profiles for different fabrics were measured during ultrasonic welding process. The attenuation degree of signal transition properties of optic fibers incorporated was tested to determine if ultrasonic process provided a possible way of embedding optic fibers into seams and achieving sufficient joint strength while the signal transmission properties of optic fibers incorporated were not changed significantly.

PurposeMass customization (MC) is one of the changes for the US apparel industry that will provide a competitive advantage and offer products needed by consumers. However, as the points of customization and their extent of customization characterize business models including the process strategies to achieve a successful MC strategy, it is imperative to define the points of customization. The purpose of this research is to investigate and introduce the critical points of customization and their extent for apparel.Design/methodology/approachAn apparel industry survey together with case studies was used to collect information to test and support the hypothesis developed through the comprehensive literature review.FindingsFive critical points of apparel customization are defined. These points and their extents of customization are compared, analyzed and validated. It is suggested that the success and the capability of apparel MC will depend on how effectively a company can combine the defined points of customization and their extent of customization in pre‐production, production and post‐production of the apparel product.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings of points of customization is for an apparel product. However, the concepts may be applied to products in other industries.Practical implicationsThe post‐production customization point using current technologies is a popular practice for mass customization. However, to achieve a higher level or extent of customization such as design point of customization, it is essential to use advanced product development, manufacturing and processing technologies.Originality/valueThe points of apparel customization and their extent of customization have not been studied before for the apparel MC domain. These points and extent of customization provide new insights into the mass customized apparel manufacturing and apparel MC business models.

Product development model 343presents a comprehensive model of the process of developing a line of apparel products based on the current practices found in the US apparel industry.

Purpose -This paper presents a model for an effective product development process, which is now becoming increasingly critical to success of apparel firms. Design/methodology/approach -This research modeled apparel product development as a market driven process and integrated the consumer purchase decision in the model of proactive product development integrating consumer requirements (PPDICR). The PPDICR links the consumer purchase decision and multiple consumer research strategies to specific stages of the no-interval coherently phased product development model for apparel through 15 avenues of consumer input. Findings -The PPDICR model contributes to our understanding on how consumer input can be used to facilitate the process and through what avenues that input may be acquired. This model provides an effective tool for intra-company to inter-business analysis of consumer input into the apparel product development process.Research limitations/implications -The PPDICR provides a theoretical understanding of apparel production, and is useful to researchers in visualizing the impact of changes in the business environment, integrating research projects, and establishing research priorities. Practical implications -Practitioners may use the model to improve and develop products, select appropriate consumer input, and strategically plan organizational changes. Originality/value -This model is a useful tool for effective product development both for researchers and industrialists alike. It brings in the important element of the integration of consumer information.