Textile and Apparel Science

Optimizing sports bra strap design: The role of stitch pattern and stitch length (SL) on the properties of seamless knitted fabrics

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Abstract

Seamless knitted bras are made on Santoni circular weft knitting machines which are typically 10 – 24 inches in diameter, making tubes of fabric that impart shape to the garment by using individual needle selections, and varying the industrial settings of knit stitch length (SL), elastic yarn tension, and the stitch type (plain jersey, miss or tuck). The tubular body-size garments have different degrees of extensibility and moisture management in different areas, following a body- mapping design strategy. Using this technique, the sports bra cups are usually knitted with a higher stitch size than the under-bust band, while the remaining parts, such as back regions and straps, could be knitted with other SL values. In sports bra product development, multiple trial-and-error samples are created with various stitch sizes, to determine the appropriate fit, pressure on the body, and breast compression level. Despite the importance of sports bra straps, no studies have been found to investigate the role of SL on fabric properties that influence functionality of bra straps, such as fabric elongation, breathability, and moisture management. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of knit stitch pattern and SL on the elongation and moisture management properties of seamless knitted fabrics for optimization of sports bra strap design.

Keywords: sports bra, seamless knitting, bra strap

How to Cite:

Gorea, A., Cao, H. & Megivern, S., (2024) “Optimizing sports bra strap design: The role of stitch pattern and stitch length (SL) on the properties of seamless knitted fabrics”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17409