Table 1.
Values of material characteristics measured by a Browzwear's fabric analyzer FAB 2.0
| Material | Fabric weight (g/m2) | Fabric thickness (mm) | Resistance to stretch, warp/weft (N/m) | Resistance to bend, warp/weft (dyn*cm) | Resistance to shear (N/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330D CORDURA® Classic, 100 PA 6.6 | 185 | 0.52 | 3468.76/3186.43 | 1463.89/2180.72 | 56.035 |
| 3D knitted fabric, 100 PE | 300 | 3.57 | 403.81/296.45 | 2802.8/2701.55 | 212.38 |
Table 2.
Key requirements and considerations for clothing designed for individuals with dementia symptoms
| Requirements | Features | Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced comfort | Soft fabrics | Using soft, hypoallergenic fabrics such as cotton or bamboo minimizes discomfort and alleviates skin irritation. |
| Elastic waistbands | Elastic waistbands on pants enhance comfort and facilitate the dressing process. | |
| Layering | Lightweight layers allow for effective temperature regulation throughout the day. | |
| Ease of use | Simple fastenings | Use of Velcro, magnetic closures, or large, easy-to-use buttons in place of traditional buttons and zippers |
| Loose fit | Garments should fit loosely, with large openings for easy and comfortable dressing. | |
| Safety | Non-slip footwear | Non-slip socks or shoes can reduce the risk of falls |
| Bright colors | Brightly colored or patterned clothing can help patients recognize their clothing more easily and may enhance their mood or prevent depressive symptoms. | |
| Dignity | Stylish designs | Attire that is both stylish and comfortable plays a vital role in preserving the dignity and self-esteem of patients. |
| Adaptive underwear | Consideration of options that facilitate restroom use is important in maintaining dignity during daily activities. | |
| Functionality | Pockets | Built-in pockets provide patients with the ability to carry personal items, ensuring effective storage solutions and minimizing the risk of loss. |
| Elastic and adjustable features | Adjustable waistbands, cuffs, and similar features should be designed for easy modification, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit. | |
| Ease of care | Machine washable | The durability of clothing to withstand frequent laundering is essential for practicality. |
| Stain-resistant fabrics | Selecting fabrics that exhibit stain-resistant properties is recommended for maintaining a clean appearance with minimal effort. | |
| Lightening the caregiver's load | Adaptive clothing features | Adaptive design can streamline dressing routines, making them less time-consuming and stressful for caregivers. |
| Additional considerations | Sensory issues | Patients with dementia may have heightened sensitivity to textures and tags; tagless options are preferred. |
| Weather appropriateness | The clothing provided should be suitable for different weather conditions, ensuring warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer. |
Fig. 1.
Digital design in Lectra Design Concept: adjustment of the belt pattern to a typical figure of an elderly woman front (a) and back (b). the belt pattern unfolded with scala (c)
Fig. 2.
Basic pattern design in Grafis CAD Software
Fig. 3.
Quality evaluation of the carrying belt design in the motions with Clo3D's Strain Map
Fig. 4.
Testing of the physical prototype of the carrying system