The retention of the shape of a garment is affected by the following factors: (1) differential dimensional changes in fabrics combined in the garment; (2) lack of crease-retention; (3) lack of crease-resistance; (4) surface unevenness (mussiness); (5) permanent stretch (knees, elbows). The first two factors have been investigated and the results are reported here. Factor No. 1 depends very much on a proper choice of the textile materials combined in the garment. Men's suits were treated in five humidity cycles between 90% r.h. and 35% r.h. The types of change in shape observed in the jackets were determined mainly by the shape-retention factor of the combined structure. This factor is based upon the differential dimensional changes of the structure and fabric thickness (related to “formability”). A simple method, suitable for industrial application, is suggested, whereby the relative suitability of different materials in a garment can be determined. For estimating change in shape of a garment, a series of...