Draagervaring

Draagervaring is a Dutch term describing the subjective experience of wearing a product. The phrase literally means “wear experience” and refers to how a garment, accessory, or device feels in terms of comfort, fit, support, and ease of use during typical activities. In product design, draagervaring is treated as part of usability and user experience, alongside durability and aesthetics.

Factors influencing draagervaring include fit and sizing, weight and balance, distribution of pressure, fabric or surface feel, breathability and moisture management, thermal comfort, movement and range of motion, ease of donning and doffing, adjustability, and impact on skin, such as irritation or allergies. Material choice and construction methods also play a key role.

Assessment methods combine subjective feedback (surveys, interviews) with objective measurements (pressure mapping, gait analysis, thermography, wear tests). Trials often involve diverse users and real-world conditions to capture variability in body shape, size, and activity level.

Typical domains encompass clothing and footwear, medical devices (such as braces or prosthetics), assistive devices, helmets and protective gear, and wearable technology. The term is common in Dutch-language ergonomics, footwear studies, and consumer product testing.

Improving draagervaring focuses on ergonomic design, adjustable features, better material choices, and standardized sizing. Advances such as 3D body scanning and customized fits aim to accommodate a wider range of bodies while reducing discomfort, skin problems, and long-term wear issues.