Evaluation of the level of functionality of materials for clothing by laboratory tests and experimental wear

The ability of a consumer item to meet the requirements in a given range of operating conditions is called functionality. The assessment of the functionality level of materials for waterproof clothing can be carried out using a new method, which is based on the systematization of consumer preferences and the preparation of a program for testing materials that corresponds to specific conditions of their use. One of the scientific problems is the adequacy of the assessment, carried out based on the results of laboratory tests of materials, to the preferences of consumers of clothing made from them. The purpose of the work is to check the adequacy of the assessment of the functionality level of materials for clothing made according to the developed method, the assessment of clothing made from them by the consumer by comparing with the results of experimental wear. The work uses the author's and standard methods and means for studying the water-protective properties, comfort and reliability of materials, the developed methodology and algorithm for assessing the functionality of materials for specific-purpose water-protective clothing, as well as the method of experimental wearing of clothing. The object of the study was selected as a canoeing sports waterproof equipment. Based on the analysis of the operating conditions of the clothing, laboratory test modes were established and six materials were tested, and their functionality was assessed using the developed algorithm. After the experimental wearing of waterproof sports equipment made of these materials, their waterproof properties were retested and observation cards filled in by volunteers were analyzed. It was found that four of the six materials that received an unsatisfactory assessment based on the results of laboratory tests really do not meet the operating conditions and do not provide the required level of functionality. Two samples that passed the laboratory assessment of the level of functionality with a good result received positive feedback from volunteers about their comfort and maintained waterproofness at the planned level. The conducted studies showed a high degree of compliance between the assessment of the level of functionality of the materials obtained using the developed method and the results of experimental wearing, which allows us to recommend it for use as a convenient tool for engineering confection of materials for clothing.