University footballers’ preference for smart trousers

This paper describes the development of smart trousers for self-training purposes during Covid-19, based on the requirements of two footballers from a Taiwanese University team. The two professional athletes aimed to be able to adapt their play as a result of self-training data that would be received visually from the smart trousers. The researcher collected feedback via two interviews, undertaken during the design preparation and garment fitting phases to ensure the garment design would be ready for production.The semi-structured interview technique and Kawakita Jiro method were adopted by the researcher. Firstly, the study investigated the footballer’s preferred smart trouser design in interview. Secondly, smart trousers were developed as initial garment prototypes, both virtually and physically. Thirdly, after the two athletes had been fitted with and worn the trousers for self-training purposes, the researcher issued a questionnaire and conducted a second interview to collect wearer feedback. The results showed that using both emulator data for a virtual prototype and physical garment sample in the step of prototype development has high degree of accuracy to assist pattern-making, fitting and sizing. The users’ feedback focused on three issues: pocket size, comfort of hem stitching, and label position.