Effect of Hybrid Knitted Structure on Clothing Pressure

This study presents new, knitted fabrics that combine woven and knitted structures to better control compression garments. This can be achieved by incorporating inlay yarns that utilize a woven configuration within knitted fabrics. As a result, this structure enhances the fabric’s functionality. Central to the research is the development and evaluation of various prototypes of arm sleeves using nylon–spandex, specifically engineered to apply the desired pressure on arms. The sleeves were knitted using different base structures including single jersey, single pique, 1 × 1 mock rib, and 2 × 2 mock rib, with and without inlays. A commercial sleeve was added as a reference. According to the protocol, the applied pressure of each sleeve was measured at three different points on the dominant arm of 12 healthy females. Stretch properties of arm sleeves were examined using an elongation tester. The thickness and weight of fabrics were evaluated as well. Also, the results of surveys—featuring four questions about the ease of motion, softness, thermal sensation, and overall comfort—were statistically analyzed. The analysis showed that the commercial and 2 × 2 mock rib sleeves were the most comfortable, creating pleasant subjective wearing sensations. The findings showed that the fabric’s tensile properties were significantly changed by the inclusion of inlay yarns in the weft and warp directions. According to survey results, 1 × 1 mock rib and 1 × 1 mock rib with inlay negatively affected subjective wearing sensations, while exerting the highest pressure on the subject’s arm. This is associated with the fabric’s compressive structure which directly contributes to the increased thickness and weight of the fabric.