Effect of Fiber Content on Comfort Properties of Cotton/Spandex, Rayon/Spandex, and Polyester/Spandex Single Jersey Knitted Fabrics

Comfort influences consumers’ buying decision regarding textile and apparel product. In this study, comfort related properties of three different single jersey knit fabrics were tested. All fabrics had 5% spandex as a common factor. Spandex was blended with cotton, rayon and polyester. Three comfort related attributes studied for the investigation were stretch and recovery, air permeability and horizontal wicking. Presence of spandex in knitted structure expected to enhance stretch and recovery hence flexibility and comfort in garments. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the influence of cotton, rayon and polyester on selected comfort properties of textile materials. ANOVA and ttest were used to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed significant differences among three types of knits. Results can be used by textile and apparel professionals, retailer, and consumers alike. Research can be extended to include additional structural and performance variables.