Total wear comfort index as an objective parameter for characterization of overall wearability of cotton fabrics

Abstract

The state of physical comfort experienced by a wearer under a given environmental condition is greatly influenced by the tactile, thermal and moisture transport properties of the fabric. An indepth study carried out to understand fabric handle and wear comfort in relation to fiber, yarn and fabric structural parameter is presented in this paper. The results obtained from this study provide an invaluable insight into engineering of required quality features into the cotton fabrics so as to provide optimum wear comfort. A comprehensive grading index incorporating the transport attributes (air permeability and moisture and thermal transport) of the fabric has been derived to grade end use efficiency of the fabric juxtaposing with fabric hand, which would finally decide the overall quality of the apparel fabric.