Aesthetics
The attractiveness or appearance of a textile product.
Dye affinity
Ability to take up and retain color.
Luster
Sheen caused by light reflected from surface (shiny or dull).
Translucence
Ability of the fiber, yarn or fabric to allow light to pass through the structure.
Drape
Manner in which a fabric hangs over a form (stiff /flowing, rigid/soft).
Texture
Surface of the fabric (rough, smooth, slick, waxy).
Body
Lightness or heaviness; firmness or looseness.
Hand
How the fabric feels. Visual and tactile (soft, warm, cool, harsh, scratchy).
Loft
Ability to spring back to original thickness after being compressed.
Resilience
Ability to return to original shape after bending, folding, twisting or a combination.
Durability
How the product withstands use; the length of time the product is considered suitable for the use for which it is purchased.
Tenacity
Ability to withstand a heavy pulling force.
Abrasion Resistance
Ability to withstand rubbing and folding.
Cohesiveness
Ability of one fiber or yarn to cling to another.
Elongation Potential
Ability to stretch without breaking.
Elasticity
Ability of an extended yarn or fabric to return immediately to its original length.
Flexibility
Ability to bend repeatedly without breaking or cracking.
Dimensional Stability
Ability to retain given size and shape through use and care over a period of time.
Comfort & Safety
The way the textile product affects heat, air and moisture transfer and the way the body interacts with the textile product.
Absorbency
Ability to take up moisture (expressed as a percentage of fiber weight).
Hydrophilic
Water loving." Very absorbent (6% - 16% moisture regain).
Hydrophobic
Water hating." Not absorbent. Feels clammy when humid.
Hygroscopic
Absorbs moisture without feeling wet (wool).
Oleophilic
Fibers with a strong affinity for oils.
Wicking
Moisture travels along the surface of the fiber (capillary action).
Electrical Conductivity
Ability to eliminate the build-up of static electricity. Good electrical conductivity dissipates charge; poor conductivity generates static, static cling, and electrical shocks.
Heat/Thermal Conductivity
Ability to transfer heat to the surrounding air, cooling effect.
Thermal Retention
Ability to hold heat, warming effect (winter bulky clothing).
Allergenic Potential
Ability to cause skin irritation, breathing problems or other physical reactions.
type of finish applied may cause allergic reaction
scratchiness of wool more surface not allergic just texture
some fibers cause allergic(sinus) irritation
Appearance Retention
How the product maintains its original appearance during use and care. Does the dye migrate or crock? Does it snag, pill (form tiny balls of fiber bits), or in the case of spandex, does it get brittle?
Dimensional Stability
Ability to maintain the original size and shape through use and care.
Elastic Recovery
The degree to which the fibers will recover from strain.
Resistant to Pilling
Ability of the fiber not to break and form balls on the surface of the fabric.
Resistant to Sunlight or UV Radiation
The ability to withstand degradation from direct sunlight.
Care
The treatment required to maintain the original appearance of a textile product.
Shrinkage Resistance
Ability of a fabric to retain a given size after care.
Chemical Resistance
Resistance to reaction with chemicals (acids, bases, solvents, bleach, soil, dyes).
Heat Sensitivity
Fiber propensity to discolor, soften, melt or shrink at high temperatures.
Biological Resistance.
Ability to resist growth of microorganisms or damage by insects (silverfish, moths, bacteria, mold, etc.).
Light Resistance
Ability to withstand exposure to light without color fading or weakening of fabric.
Aging Resistance
Ability to withstand exposure to environmental conditions over a period of time.
Colorfastness
Ability to resist loss of color or change due to use, care, or storage
Aesthetics
The attractiveness or appearance of a textile product.
Dye affinity
Ability to take up and retain color.
Luster
Sheen caused by light reflected from surface (shiny or dull).
Translucence
Ability of the fiber, yarn or fabric to allow light to pass through the structure.
Drape
Manner in which a fabric hangs over a form (stiff /flowing, rigid/soft).
Texture
Surface of the fabric (rough, smooth, slick, waxy).
Body
Lightness or heaviness; firmness or looseness.
Hand
How the fabric feels. Visual and tactile (soft, warm, cool, harsh, scratchy).
Loft
Ability to spring back to original thickness after being compressed.
Resilience
Ability to return to original shape after bending, folding, twisting or a combination.
Durability
How the product withstands use; the length of time the product is considered suitable for the use for which it is purchased.
Tenacity
Ability to withstand a heavy pulling force.
Abrasion Resistance
Ability to withstand rubbing and folding.
Cohesiveness
Ability of one fiber or yarn to cling to another.
Elongation Potential
Ability to stretch without breaking.
Elasticity
Ability of an extended yarn or fabric to return immediately to its original length.
Flexibility
Ability to bend repeatedly without breaking or cracking.
Dimensional Stability
Ability to retain given size and shape through use and care over a period of time.
Comfort & Safety
The way the textile product affects heat, air and moisture transfer and the way the body interacts with the textile product.
Absorbency
Ability to take up moisture (expressed as a percentage of fiber weight).
Hydrophilic
Water loving." Very absorbent (6% - 16% moisture regain).
Hydrophobic
Water hating." Not absorbent. Feels clammy when humid.
Hygroscopic
Absorbs moisture without feeling wet (wool).
Oleophilic
Fibers with a strong affinity for oils.
Wicking
Moisture travels along the surface of the fiber (capillary action).
Electrical Conductivity
Ability to eliminate the build-up of static electricity. Good electrical conductivity dissipates charge; poor conductivity generates static, static cling, and electrical shocks.
Heat/Thermal Conductivity
Ability to transfer heat to the surrounding air, cooling effect.
Thermal Retention
Ability to hold heat, warming effect (winter bulky clothing).
Allergenic Potential
Ability to cause skin irritation, breathing problems or other physical reactions.
type of finish applied may cause allergic reaction
scratchiness of wool more surface not allergic just texture
some fibers cause allergic(sinus) irritation
Appearance Retention
How the product maintains its original appearance during use and care. Does the dye migrate or crock? Does it snag, pill (form tiny balls of fiber bits), or in the case of spandex, does it get brittle?
Dimensional Stability
Ability to maintain the original size and shape through use and care.
Elastic Recovery
The degree to which the fibers will recover from strain.
Resistant to Pilling
Ability of the fiber not to break and form balls on the surface of the fabric.
Resistant to Sunlight or UV Radiation
The ability to withstand degradation from direct sunlight.
Care
The treatment required to maintain the original appearance of a textile product.
Shrinkage Resistance
Ability of a fabric to retain a given size after care.
Chemical Resistance
Resistance to reaction with chemicals (acids, bases, solvents, bleach, soil, dyes).
Heat Sensitivity
Fiber propensity to discolor, soften, melt or shrink at high temperatures.
Biological Resistance.
Ability to resist growth of microorganisms or damage by insects (silverfish, moths, bacteria, mold, etc.).
Light Resistance
Ability to withstand exposure to light without color fading or weakening of fabric.
Aging Resistance
Ability to withstand exposure to environmental conditions over a period of time.
Colorfastness
Ability to resist loss of color or change due to use, care, or storage