wearability

Wearability refers to the degree to which an item designed to be worn on the body is comfortable, functional, and acceptable to users. It covers clothing, accessories, and wearable technology such as fitness trackers, smart textiles, and health monitors. As an interdisciplinary concept, wearability blends textile science, human factors engineering, industrial design, and electronics to evaluate how form, fit, and function support real-world use.

Key dimensions include physical comfort (fit, weight, heat, pressure, and moisture management), ease of use (interfaces, controls, and maintenance), durability (washability and environmental tolerance), safety (skin compatibility and electrical safety), aesthetics, and social acceptability. The design of wearables also considers integration with everyday activities and contexts, ranging from sports and healthcare to workwear and fashion.

Evaluation methods combine subjective user feedback with objective measurements. Ergonomic testing assesses fit, range of motion, and pressure distribution; thermal testing evaluates heat buildup; battery life and charging convenience affect practicality. Standards and guidelines from organizations such as ISO and ASTM provide usability and safety benchmarks, while IP ratings and textile standards govern environmental resistance and washability.

Advances in flexible electronics, sensorized textiles, and energy harvesting are expanding wearability possibilities. A central aim is to improve comfort and reliability to encourage adoption while addressing privacy, security, and sustainability concerns in data collection and device longevity.