User feedback and textile analysis of thermal comfort factors of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces disruptive digital pattern uniforms

Military combat uniforms must ensure thermal comfort to maintain soldier readiness, particularly in tropical climates where heat and humidity present significant physiological challenges. This study is the first to evaluate the suitability of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces disruptive digital pattern uniforms for use in tropical climate conditions. Unlike previous research, it combines objective textile data with subjective user perceptions to assess the thermal comfort properties of three types of operational combat uniforms in a Southeast Asian tropical setting. Results reaffirm that uniforms made up of pure cotton may not provide optimal thermal comfort in tropical environments, whereas increasing the polyester content in uniforms may enhance thermal comfort performance. However, the study also highlights that fabric material alone does not fully account for differences in thermal comfort. Structural textile properties such as fabric porosity, yarn structure, fiber morphology, and finishing treatments also play a critical role in influencing thermophysiological comfort. For instance, more tightly twisted yarns may facilitate moisture transfer more efficiently and promote faster drying. Overall, the findings suggest the need for a more comprehensive approach in uniform design, from fabric material selection to fiber structural arrangement, to ensure soldier comfort and operational readiness in increasingly warmer climates. Further research is recommended to determine the optimal polyester–cotton blend, as well as the ideal fiber structural configurations that balance wicking, drying, and comfort performance.