Color Has Little Effect on Perception of Fabric Handfeel Tactile Properties in Cotton Fabrics

Many authors suggest evaluating the tactile hand properties of textiles in such a way that the sample cannot be seen, but this can be a cumbersome procedure. This study tested the effect of a strong visual attribute, color, on hand perception of fabrics in both descriptive and consumer studies. Panelists evaluated four cotton fabrics: poplin, flannel, knit and twill, each dyed five colors: white (no dye), dark blue, light blue, pink and yellow. In the descriptive study, minimal differences were found for only one color, yellow, in one fabric type, poplin, for four attributes: gritty, hand friction, fabric friction and softness. For the consumer study, only “brightness,” a visual perception, and “harshness,” which may be either visual or tactile, were different across fabrics from one color to another. Based on this study of color effects, there appears to be negligible impact of visual perception on tactile hand evaluation. This data would suggest there is little need to block the view of fabrics during hand evaluation in either descriptive or consumer studies. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Data from this study suggest that the need to go to extraordinary means, such as blindfolding panelists, to block potential visual bias in tests of fabrichandfeel may not be necessary. The research suggests that both trained and consumer panels were able to provide consistent, accurate data even though the potentially biasing effect of color was not blocked from their view. If the view of fabric products does not have to be blocked, sensory testing protocols of handfeel can be simpler, which ultimately means more efficiencies because less time and money need to be spent to obtain quality data.