Knit Structure and Properties of High Stretch Compression Garments

Abstract

This paper describes the first part of a study for obtaining useful data on the development of compression garments with high stretch knitted materials. Twenty types of compression garments sold in the domestic market were analyzed in terms of the knitting method and knit structure. After classifying these garment types into three elements of knit structure, a comparative analysis of the body part to which knit structure is applied was performed. Given the superior comfort of its finished product and seamless process productivity, the weft knitting technique was used more commonly than the warp knitting technique. All extracted knit structures were single-faced, and float and tuck were variously applied based on plain stitch. Plain stitch was applied on smooth body part surfaces, which do not require much compression. In the case of body parts that easily accumulate mass, such as the lower abdomen and sides, plain with float stitch was used by employing a mock rib structure to exert appropriate pressure on body and ensure a good fit. However, on body parts requiring a strong fit and pressure along with protection, plain with float stitch was used. Meanwhile, the structure in which float and tuck were combined based on plain stitch was applied for body parts with active muscles.

Compression and Recovery Functional Application for the Sportswear Fabric

“…Stretch properties represent a significant mechanical property of clothing material that influences clothing pressure. Stretch properties are measured as the percentage of fabric stretch and fabric growth, and recovery [5][6][7].…”

Structural effect of polyester SCY knitted fabric on fabric size, stretch properties, and clothing pressure

“…Knit structures were also classified into four groups in terms of three primary knit loops in previous research (Sang and Park 2013). This study now facilitates the design of high stretch compression garments and the development of various products by analyzing dimension features, stretch properties, and correlation of clothing pressure for high stretch knitted fabric to offer a proper knit structure appropriate for the demands of phased compression.…”

“…Previous research reviewed the type of knit structure and characteristics of commercially available compression garments (Sang and Park 2013). Knit structures were also classified into four groups in terms of three primary knit loops in previous research (Sang and Park 2013).…”