Lower-body morphological changes between standing and walking-related postures: implications for the design of garment-based wearable systems

Purpose This study aims to analyze lower-body morphological changes between standing and a walking-related posture using three-dimensional (3D) body scanning and to examine their design implications for garment-based wearable systems, particularly in relation to fit, mobility, pressure relief, and movement clearance. Design/methodology/approach Lower-body scans of 12 males in their twenties were obtained while participants remained stationary in a natural standing posture and a selected walking-related posture using a 3D body scanner. A total of 33 parameters, including height, circumference, inter-limb distance, and cross-sectional rotation angle, were analyzed using customized analysis software. Findings Substantial posture-dependent changes in lower-body morphology were observed between the standing and walking-related postures. The hip and thigh regions showed relatively large rotational changes, thigh circumference was 8.89% greater, and ankle distance was 58.26% greater in the walking-related posture than in the standing posture. These findings suggest that garment-based wearable systems require region-specific design strategies, including rotational mobility around the hip and thigh, dynamic ease allowance in the thigh region, and movement clearance around the knee and ankle. Originality/value This study provides design-oriented evidence on posture-dependent lower-body differences using 3D body scanning. By translating posture-dependent body changes into garment-related design considerations, the study highlights the limitations of static anthropometric data for garment-based wearable systems.