Influences of elastane content, aesthetic finishes and fabric weight on mechanical and comfort properties of denim fabrics

Abstract

Denim has always been used for very durable outdoor work clothing because of its weight, rigidity and thickness. It is now more popular as comfortable and flexible clothing with stretch characteristics possessing elasticity so that it closely fits without restricting body movement. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of different aesthetic finishes applied while manufacturing, varied elastane content and fabric weight on its mechanical and stretch properties. It is observed that the tensile strength of denim fabric decreases with increasing elastane percentage, while breaking extension increases. Elastane content percentage shows significant influence on air permeability of denim. Air permeability of stretchable denim fabric decreases with increasing fabric weight. Flexural rigidity decreases with increasing elastane content and similar trend also for the drape coefficient. The increase in elastane content also influences the fabric stretch-ability with an increase in stretch percentage and decrease in fabric growth percentage with increasing elastane rate