Comparison of selected structural and performance attributes of cotton and cotton/polyester blend t-shirts

Consumers value care, comfort and durability while using textile products. This study compared two structural (fabric thickness and fabric weight) and four performance (air permeability, bursting strength, dimensional stability and horizontal wicking) attributes of cotton and cotton/polyester blend t-shirts before and after wash. Air permeability and horizontal wicking add to the comfort; bursting strength relates to durability and dimensional stability to care. Microsoft Excel and SPSS were executed to analyze the data. The blended t-shirt had significantly higher air permeability and bursting strength than the cotton t-shirt in unwashed form. For dimensional stability the only difference was detected in the neck opening. T-shirts differed significantly in their washed and unwashed forms for structural attributes and horizontal wicking. For Dimensional stability, the researcher used only the standard detergent for washing. Other detergents available in the market could be compared. This study revealed some useful information that could be used by apparel manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Other research methods like consumer survey or market research, wear test, and comparison thereof can be conducted more comprehensive understand of textiles for its intended uses. The results have useful information for consumers as well as the scholarly community both in academia and industry.