Effects of garment configuration in modest sportswear on thermoregulatory and perceptual responses during exercise in a warm–humid environment

Purpose This study aims to examine the effects of garment configuration in modest sportswear on thermophysiological and perceptual responses during exercise in warm–humid environments. Design/methodology/approach Ten healthy female students (age: 21.1 ± 1.9 years) completed two 30-min exercise in a controlled chamber (30 ± 0.5 °C and 70 ± 5% relative humidity), wearing two modest sportswear ensembles made of identical materials but differing in fit: tight-fit (TF) and regular-fit (RF), covering the entire body except the face and hands. Findings Tympanic temperature was significantly higher in the TF than in the RF during exercise (p = 0.01), accompanied by greater body heat storage (p = 0.02) and a higher physiological strain index (p = 0.01). Perceptual responses were also adversely affected by TF, with a higher thermal sensation and greater thermal discomfort reported throughout the exercise (p < 0.01). Practical implications Regular-fit modest sportswear may better facilitate heat dissipation and improve comfort in warm–humid conditions, highlighting garment configuration as a key design consideration for modest activewear. Originality/value This study provides experimental evidence that garment configuration, including fit-related air-gap distribution and head-covering design, influences thermophysiological strain and perceptual comfort in modest sportswear, emphasizing the importance of ventilation management beyond fabric selection.