Weft-knitted spacer fabrics with variations of multifilament and monofilament yarns in their connecting layer for sports bra cup application

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the properties of weft-knitted spacer fabrics with varying multifilament and monofilament yarns in their connecting layer for sports bra cup application. In this study, five distinct weft-knitted spacer fabrics were produced using multifilament and monofilament yarns for the connecting layer. A Stoll CMS530 HP electronic flat knitting machine was used to produce the fabrics. Furthermore, a polyurethane closed-cell foam, claimed to be suitable for bra pads by the manufacturer, was selected for an appropriate comparison. The results showed that the use of both multifilament and monofilament yarns, as spacer yarn in the connecting layer, affected the following fabric parameters, (1) mass per unit area, (2) thickness, (3) stiffness, (4) air permeability, (5) dry thermal resistance, (6) evaporative resistance, and (7) permeability index. This indicated that the fabrics with more monofilament yarn were heavier, thicker, and stiffer than those having multifilament yarn. All weft-knitted spacer fabrics also had a greater permeability index value than closed-cell foam. This implied that all the fabrics were breathable due to transmitting water vapor from the body to the environment. In addition, the closed-cell foam was much stiffer than spacer fabric. The ratio of monofilament to multifilament yarns can be varied to generate specific qualities for weft-knitted spacer fabrics that are suited for sports bra cups.