Assessment of Knitted Fabric Smoothness and Softness Based on Paired Comparison

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to conduct an in-depth analysis of customer preferences for single jersey knit fabrics regarding the attributes of smoothness and softness, in order to build up a holistic picture of purchase preferences. A paired comparison test was conducted for the subjective human assessment of single jersey knitted fabrics which were designed to differ in a single factor only. A sample of 140 evaluators were recruited and assigned into seven demographic groups according to age, gender and education level, with 20 evaluators in each group. It was shown that fabrics produced of viscose and polyester or with addition of elastane yarn are perceived smoother than 100 % cotton fabrics without elastane. Regarding the gender groups, the discrepancy is seen between the results obtained for smoothness and softness, especially within the male evaluators. Also, it was shown that evaluators with completed secondary education do not make higher differences in the perception of attributes, both smoothness and softness.