Innovating comfort research and product development.
Having researched and tested interactions between humans, climate and textiles for over 70 years, Hohenstein is a pioneer in developing scientific methods for material and product comfort. We know what matters for human perception and what to test.
Body-Climate-Clothing Interaction
Body-Climate-Bed Interaction
Hohenstein sets the standards.
Our expertise is especially suited to creating testing plans around the end-user's needs. We conduct research, invent measurement methods and devices and correlate/verify the data.
We transfer this knowledge by writing standards and leading committees, as well as with the Hohenstein Academy.
- Skin model ISO 11092
Physiological effects — Measurement of thermal and water-vapour resistance under steady-state conditions (sweating guarded-hotplate test) - Thermal manikin ISO 15831
Physiological effects — Measurement of thermal insulation by means of a thermal manikin - Liquid sweat on hotplate CEN/TR 16422
Classification of thermoregulatory properties - Evaporative cooling DIN SPEC 60015
Quantitative measurement of the evaporative heat loss of smart textile materials for work, sports/outdoor and leisure
Press Release: Hohenstein's WATson testing device adopted as the standard
Three crucial factors for comfort.
Breathability, heat insulation, sweat transport, cooling, warming.
Thermophysiological comfort:
- How effectively textiles or systems (ie. bedding, apparel or seating systems) retain heat or cool down
- How effectively materials are able to transport sweat away from the skin and quickly release it into the environment
Specialized heat and moisture measurements on fabric.
Through extensive research, we've developed or modified specialized equipment to reliably determine the physical parameters of heat and moisture management. To test for specific user scenarios, we use climate chambers to simulate use and climate conditions that are adjusted to the application.
Thermal insulation, heat and moisture measurements on garment, bedding and seating systems.
Skin Sensorial Assessment
To measure comfort (also known as skin sensory comfort) we employ methods developed from years of scientific research to ojectively evaluate subjective sensitivity.
Always consider the user's motion and environment.
To what extent is comfort influenced by garment construction, fit and heat and moisture management?
Using our thermal manikins and climate chambers, we determine the heat and moisture management parameters of entire clothing and textile systems - in the expected ambient conditions - during the potential user's movements.
For example, in personal protective equipment (PPE), comfort plays a key role in safety and user acceptance. PPE must be tailored to the needs of the wearer - while working in emergency environments - and offer optimum comfort during all motion sequences.
Ergonomic comfort can be optimized through body movement analysis.
Hohenstein Core Services.
- Ongoing research and customized testing for the interaction between bodies, climate and textile materials and products (fabrics, clothing, workwear, PPE, bedding, sleeping bags, car seats, etc.)
- Quantitative measurement and quality control of individual parameters (heat and moisture management, cooling, skin comfort) for textile materials
- Determination of range of utility of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) based on clothing, climate and specific activity
- Assessment of heat and moisture management and skin comfort of textile products
- Assessment of ergonomic comfort of clothing and the consequences of pattern construction and design on wear comfort
- Assessment and advice for comfort-optimized textile materials and products
- Wear trials with human subjects in simulated ambient conditions and sensors for subjective and objective measurements
