Hand feel
It refers to the way fabrics feel against the skin or in the hand and conveys information about the cloth's softness and smoothness.
[1][2] This terminology was commonly used in relation to wool, referred to as a 'wool term,' or in the broader textile industry to describe fabrics.
[3] When discussing wool, the term encompasses all the characteristics that contribute to its quality, including softness, fineness, length, and elasticity.
Some of the terms that describe the tactile sensations are clingy, sticky, scratchy, prickly, soft, stiff, heavy, light and hard.
[10] Fabrics during manufacturing becomes harsh that is undesirable hence they are made soft again for end users or useful input materials for subsequent processes.
[11] The hand feel matters in selecting the fabrics for a particular category or line; for instance, softer clothes are preferred for children.
[15][16] Hand feel adds compression resiliency; Soft fabrics tend to spring back to their original shape.
[citation needed] Some undesired acid, alkaline, and temperature treatments can make certain fabrics harsher.
As natural fibers are characterized by inherent variations, they tend to imbue fabrics with greater texture compared to their synthetic or manufactured counterparts.
Usually, the fine and lightweight structures with loose weave or knit constructions are more delicate until the twisted or textured yarns are not used.
On the other hand, heavy, and thicker fabrics could be soft or harsh depending upon the after treatments and varied yarn forms.
[32][8] Shearing improves the appearance and feel of the fabric by cutting the loops or raised surface to a uniform and even height.
But now, there are hand feel testers that can evaluate the quality with parameters of bending, roughness, compression, and friction.
[36][37] One of the instrumental test methods is "AATCC TM 202:2014," which measures the "feels and looks" similar to manual sensory perceptions.
Additionally, it can be used to determine the transient heat transfer properties associated with the sensation of coolness generated when fabrics come into contact with the skin while being worn.
[39][40] The interactive touch-activated display, also known as the "iTad," is a device equipped with multitouch sensing that can help feel images on a touch screen.
