Functional Design of Supportive Men’s Underwear with a Microbial Barrier

Abstract

A functional modelling of supportive clothing is proposed in this paper. Body forms and measures were analysed. The digitisation of the human body was performed by 3D scanning, and based on point clouds measurements were taken. and the forms of body parts for which the pattern of clothing was developed, were defined. Pattern parts of the male supportive underwear model proposed were translated into numeric form, and a program was developed in the C++ programming language through which the pattern parts are adjusted to individual measurements and to the material used for the compression of parts of the body. Since clothing can be used post-operatively as well, an analysis of the biodegradable Tencel® materials proposed to be used for these applications was conducted. Material samples were subjected to steam sterilisation at 134oC, after which tests of microbial barrier permeability were performed using the new method. Aerobic bacterial endospores were used. Based on the samples tested and their properties, the construction of supportive medical clothing which, by their design, enhance the functionality and possibility of preventing infections of a body part subjected to surgery was carried out.