Suitability and limitations of clothing pressure measuring techniques as applied to design of undergarments: A systematic review

This paper presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on clothing pressure (CP) measuring systems, emphasising studies related to underwear. CP is a key element contributing to fit comfort and has drawn attention from researchers in fit optimization of close-fit garments. As key contributions, the study explores four essential aspects: a typology for CP measurement techniques, the evolution of CP measurement, the challenges associated with measuring CP, and the criteria for choosing a CP measurement mechanism (i.e. clothing pressure sensors for a specific smart textile application. The authors further discuss the opportunities for improvements in existing CP measuring mechanisms, highlighting future avenues in the study area. Furthermore, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the study is unique in terms of systematically reviewing the theme of CP measuring of undergarments. This SLR disseminates comprehensive knowledge on CP, which is beneficial for academics to stimulate further scholarly research in future and industrialists to implement more objective and cost-effective approaches in enhancing the fit comfort of underwear. Knowledge contribution from this review is expected to promote the health of garment consumers through increasing the availability of comfort-fit underwear.