Comparative Property Analysis of One-by-One Rib Lingerie Fabrics Fabricated from Modal Fibers and Microfibers.

Although the applicability of modal fibers and microfibers for the production of lingerie knitwear is confirmed by commercial use, their share in the total consumption of man-made cellulosic fibers is very low. Their applicability in the fabrication of one-by-one rib weft-knitted fabrics, as well as comparative analyses of the influence of differently spun modal and modal-micro yarns on physical, usage, esthetic and wearing comfort properties have not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, a comparative analysis of innovative rib knitted fabrics made of regular-fine modal fibers (1.3 dtex) and 1.0 dtex microfibers is therefore carried out to determine their properties at different relaxation stages. For this purpose, two lines of one-by-one rib fabrics were fabricated from ring-, air-jet- and open-end rotor-spun modal and modal-micro yarns in the same way. The results showed that rib lingerie fabrics fabricated from modal microfibers are lighter and thinner, have a higher voluminosity and moisture absorption capacity, and consequently have slightly lower porosity, breathability and abrasion resistance than fabrics made from modal regular-fine fibers, as well as comparable dimensional stability, tensile strength and pilling properties, but mainly after a wet relaxation treatment.