Surface modification of the cotton textiles by sol-gel method in order to give antimicrobial, water and dirt repellent properties is widely discussed in the scientific literature. This study focuses on multifunctional surface nano-coatings of mixed cotton/polyamide and pure cotton knitwear, particularly on impact estimation of surface modification onto day-to-day wear comfort properties, such as air permeability, thermal and water vapour resistance, as well wearer perceptions and sensory evaluation of comfort. Experimental samples were treated with silica sol modified with the zinc acetate dihydrate and subjected to various final processing regimes, specifically optimized for mixed yarn knitwear. The effectiveness of the added attributes on modified textile surface is evaluated by testing water-repellent ability. Air and vapour permeability determination, as well as "in vivo" testing in experimental wearing process were carried out in order to evaluate wear comfort.