Evaluation of mechanical properties of uniform fabrics in garment manufacturing

Kawabata Evaluation System (KES) is the first advanced and unique solution of user friendly testing of fabric mechanical properties. The information provided by this system can enable remedial/preventive action to be taken in garment manufacturing so as to guarantee production efficiency and product performance since the mechanical properties of fabrics not only govern the performance of fabric products but also influence garment making operations. In the present research, this system was adopted to investigate the mechanical properties of uniform fabrics currently in use on the basis of 12 different commercial types of uniform materials obtained from different sources. All determination of the 16 parameters describing fabric mechanical properties was undertaken according to the prescribed procedure and required condition. The obtained results will surely help to identify the design criteria for uniform clothing so as to produce high-quality career uniforms. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.