A Study on the Wearing Conditions of Social Baseball Uniforms

Abstract

: The purpose of this study is basic data for developing baseball uniform in the future by carrying out a survey of amateur baseball players on the wearing pattern of uniform and inconvenient details. To do this study, a survey targeting 307 male social baseball players in their 20s to 40s was conducted, and a preliminary survey through interview with designers, MDs and patternmakers had also been carried out and analyzed prior to the main one. The result shows that armpit and back patches get wet with perspiration the most, and patches around knees are likely to be worn out because of frequent sliding. Thus, they are dissatisfied with poor protective function the most and need quilted pads around knees. Answers for a question on injuries during games indicates that shoulder injuries due to pitching or batting and abrasion owing to sliding are most common and knee injuries are also frequent. As for the wearing satisfaction of uniform, they want elasticity and breathability of textile to be improved; they are not satisfied with its design and fit because they think top and bottoms are much too long and uncomfortable; they often find dirt inside of the uniform during games. Besides, they find it very difficult to remove dirt from the uniform even after washing. There has been a growing population of amateur baseball players over recent years, so this study would help develop functionally improved uniform and be used for developing uniform for professional baseball players.