Physical Properties of Dong Fabrics with Different Finishing Processes

The fabric of the Dong Minority is one of the most representative traditional techniques of China, and it is known for its excellent properties and attractive luster. As a precious and sustainable textile that contribute to China’s cultural heritage, Dong fabric garnered increasing international recognition and historical research attention. Although the importance and potential have been recognized, it is worth noting that the finishing process and its effects on wearable performance of Dong fabric are still rarely documented and analyzed. In this study, five Dong fabric samples under different finishing processes are selected. Then, the wearable properties are examined through the KES-FB system, including tensile and shearing, bending, compression, surface and friction, thermal conductivity, air permeability, and hydrophobicity. The results indicate that the Dong fabrics after the entire finishing processes have good low-stress mechanical properties, tactile texture, thermal insulation, and resistant to wetting. The work is expected to provide foundational wearable data for Dong fabrics, thereby fostering their application in the modern age.