Copyright © 2025 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{184766,
        author = {Navalgund S and Dedhia E},
        title = {Physiological Comfort in Sportswear: A Comprehensive Review},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {4},
        pages = {3442-3450},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=184766},
        abstract = {Physiological comfort is the cornerstone of sportswear performance, directly influencing athletic endurance, recovery, and consumer acceptance. Unlike conventional clothing, sportswear is engineered to manage heat, sweat, and mechanical stress under dynamic conditions, demanding a multidimensional approach that integrates material science, garment engineering, and user centered design. This review synthesizes literature on fibres, fabrics, finishing technologies, and evaluation methods with specific emphasis on physiological comfort. Synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and elastane dominate the market due to their strength and durability, yet natural and regenerated fibres such as cotton, wool, modal, and Tencel continue to play an essential role in providing soft hand, breathability, and environment compatibility. Fibre blends and knitted structures further enhance moisture management, stretch, and thermal regulation. Functional finishes including moisture management agents, antimicrobial treatments, and phase change materials (PCMs) have transformed fabrics into multifunctional systems capable of adaptive thermal balance and hygienic freshness. However, challenges persist in wash durability, environmental safety, and the mismatch between laboratory tests and real-world user perceptions. Emerging technologies such as microencapsulation, smart textiles, and zonal comfort mapping offer promising pathways to improve comfort and sustainability. By consolidating current knowledge and identifying research gaps, this review provides a framework for future innovations in designing sportswear that optimizes physiological comfort while addressing global sustainability imperatives},
        keywords = {Sportswear, Physiological comfort, Thermal regulation, Moisture management, Sensorial comfort},
        month = {September},
        }