The effect of linear density of polyamide filaments on the comfort and performance of ladies hosiery

Abstract

This study used 49 female consumers, to investigate the effect of variation in the linear density of polyamide filaments used in the construction of ladies opaque tights, on a range of comfort and performance factors. Two sets of tights were used. Each set consisted of three types of tights manufactured from micro, semi-micro and conventional filaments respectively. The first set incorporated Lycra in alternate courses while the second set incorporated Lycra in every course. The hosiery was assessed by means of a number of ranking and rating scales after having been worn and washed five times. The tights made from micro and semi-micro filaments were generally much preferred to those made from conventionally thicker filaments. The differences between the perceptions of tights made from the micro and semi-micro filaments were small, and there appears little to be gained by using the lowest linear density micro filaments. Consumers preferences with regard to overall comfort agreed closely with preferences emerging from initial handle assessments. The hypothesis is advanced that for clothing worn next to the skin handle assessments could obviate the need for more expensive, time consuming and lengthy wearer trials.