In vitro experimental study on effect of fiber denier, yarn doubling, and specialty treatments on physical and thermal behaviors of knitted sports socks

Knitted sports socks remain in continuous scuff with wearers’ feet and shoes during activities. Such continuous physical contact governs severe pills on socks surface, which is unpleasant for both the wearer and the working life of socks. Hence it becomes necessary to take measures for controlling fabric deterioration, that is, anti-pilling treatments. Though pilling performance is enhanced; however, thermal comfort characteristics are compromised through the treatments. Simultaneous acquirement of both pilling and thermal characteristics is an area of interest. Fiber denier and yarn doubling techniques are among the influential factors in the solution to the problem. Specimens have been developed using four different fiber deniers, two yarn doubling conditions, and two specialty wet treatments under a full factorial experimental design. Results showed a significant variation in pilling behaviors and thermal characteristics before and after treatments in the statistical analysis, predicting the possible stages, that is, a combination of experimental factors for desired characteristics attainment.