Effect of different weft yarns, twill direction, and washing methods on objective hand values of denim fabrics

Abstract

Denim fabrics are products that provide durability and ease of use, and are used by young people or people of all ages who prefer comfortable wear in daily life. In this study, the objective hand values of denim fabrics with three weft yarn types (100% cotton elastane, 85% cotton 15% Modal elastane, and 85% cotton 15% Tencel elastane), two twill directions (3/1 Z and S), and four washing processes (bleach, enzyme, rinse, and stone) were investigated. For this purpose, the compressibility, overall flexural rigidity, drape, surface roughness, and shear rigidity values of industrial washed denim fabrics were measured. It was found that there was no statistically significant effect of weft yarn type on objective hand values, and washing differences were statistically significant on the objective hand values of the denim fabrics. The results showed that enzyme-washed fabrics show better hand and lower hardness properties; stone-washed fabrics have a higher fluffy feel, bleach-washed fabrics have worse hand, and rinse-washed fabrics have stiffer and rougher surfaces. It was also observed that the twill direction affects only the shear rigidity values of the denim fabrics.