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Consumer Expectations

• Consumers expect garments to have functional properties that align with specific wear conditions.

• Garments are not only expected to offer comfort, modesty, and style but must also provide functionalities such as:

  • Anti-wrinkling

  • Breathability

  • Waterproofing

  • UV protection

  • Psychological comfort

• Different materials require tailored treatments to meet these performance requirements, often involving compromises in properties.

Garment Functionality

• Garment functionality can be improved at various stages:

  • Fibre stage

  • Yarn stage

  • Fabric stage

  • Garment stage

• Compromises may need to be made based on cost, health, and environmental factors.

Factors Affecting Garment Function

• Garments are complex, resulting from various interactions of:

  • Fibre, yarn, and fabric structures

  • Mechanical and chemical finishing procedures

• Choices depend on desired characteristics:

  • High performance may prioritize strength over comfort (e.g., polyester for durability).

  • Softness may lead to using natural fibres like cotton, linen, or cashmere.

Improving Fabric Handle and Tailorability

• Fabric handle refers to the tactile quality and is assessed based on:

  • Surface friction

  • Bending stiffness

  • Compression

  • Thickness

• Tailorability relates to how well a fabric can be fabricated and worn. Factors include:

  • Fibre Properties

    • Diameter and cross-sectional shape affect stiffness and handle.

    • Finer fibres generally yield softer fabrics (e.g., cashmere).

    • Coarser fibres can create harsh textures (e.g., wool).

  • Yarn Properties

    • Yarn structure and twist influence fabric handle and making-up properties.

  • Fabric Properties

    • Tightly woven fabrics often result in stiffer handles, impacting wear performance.

Reducing Wrinkling

• Wrinkles are defined as unwanted residual deformations. Two types occur:

  • Pressure wrinkles (sharp creases during static pressure)

  • Movement wrinkles (rounded creases during movement)

• Key factors affecting wrinkling include:

  • Temperature and moisture content

  • Duration and type of deformation

• Improving wrinkle recovery can be done at:

  • Micro level: Changing the fibre structure.

  • Macro level: Adjusting fabric or garment design to minimize deformation.

Pilling Reduction

• Pilling refers to the formation of small balls of entangled fibers on the fabric surface.

• Factors affecting pilling:

  • Fibre length and diameter

  • Inter-fibre friction

  • Fabric structure

• Treatments like singeing and shearing can help reduce pilling propensity.

Bagging Prevention

• Bagging is permanent deformation in fabrics caused by wear.

• Influenced by:

  • Elastic and viscoelastic properties of fibres

  • Check with yarn and fabric construction

  • Garment fit and design

• Key properties to resist bagging include:

  • Good recovery from deformation

  • Appropriate tension and stretch in yarns.

Improving Drape

• Drape refers to how a fabric hangs and folds under its own weight.

• Influencing factors include:

  • Fibre diameter and stiffness

  • Yarn properties and structure

  • Fabric finishing treatments.

Enhancing Durability

• Durability includes the wear life of textiles and their appearance over time.

• Important factors for durability:

  • Fibre strength, elongation, and recovery

  • Fabric structure and properties

• Balancing durability with comfort and aesthetics is essential in garment design.

Research and Future Trends

• Future trends may include multifunctional fabrics with:

  • UV protection

  • Self-cleaning and self-healing properties

  • Enhanced aesthetic and performance features.