Hygienic properties of fabrics and requirements for children”s and adult clothing

Understanding the hygienic qualities of fabrics is crucial when selecting apparel materials. Fabrics are essential for comfort and health in addition to determining how our clothes feel and look. This is especially crucial when choosing fabrics for children’s apparel, as the proper option can have a significant impact on their wellbeing.

Clothes for adults and kids must adhere to certain hygienic standards. A garment’s capacity to control temperature, absorb moisture, and breathe are three important aspects that determine how safe and comfortable it is to wear. Every fabric has distinct qualities that add to its appropriateness for various types of clothing, whether it’s the wool’s insulating qualities or the cotton’s softness.

This article will examine the hygienic qualities of different textiles and go over the key factors to take into account when dressing both adults and children. You can choose your wardrobe with confidence, comfort, safety, and general well-being if you are aware of these factors.

Hygienic Property Requirements for Children"s Clothing Requirements for Adult Clothing
Breathability High breathability to prevent overheating Moderate to high breathability for comfort
Absorbency Good moisture absorption to keep skin dry Decent absorbency to manage sweat
Softness Extra soft to avoid skin irritation Comfortable softness suitable for daily wear
Non-toxicity Free from harmful chemicals and dyes Low levels of chemicals, safe for prolonged contact
Hypoallergenic Hypoallergenic to prevent allergic reactions Low allergen content, especially for sensitive skin
Durability Durable but gentle on delicate skin Strong enough to withstand regular use

What are the hygienic properties of fabrics

Wearing clothing shields the skin from various harmful environmental factors such as dust, moisture, sun exposure, insect bites, and more. The physical and mechanical characteristics of fibers, their resistance to dyeing, the possibility of shrinkage, and hygiene are taken into consideration during the production of textile materials. Specific values allowed by the standard are used for each of the indicators listed.

A team of experts works on developing textile materials that adhere to hygienic and sanitary regulations. Physicians set the standards.

A number of factors work together to give textiles their hygienic qualities, which enable them to provide the ideal microclimate for human health. They assess how comfortable the clothing is. The hygienic standards for clothing vary depending on the group.

Hygienic properties – list

The following characteristics of fabrics’ hygienic qualities are included:

  1. Hygroscopicity.
  2. Electrification.
  3. Air permeability.
  4. Dust capacity.
  5. Thermal protection properties.
  6. Vapor permeability.
  7. Water resistance.

Hygroscopicity

Hygroscopicity is a significant and variable indicator. This parameter may vary depending on the situation, such as when the environment’s temperature and humidity are changed.

The capacity of textile fibers to take in and hold onto moisture and water vapor is known as hygroscopicity. The control of heat exchange between the human body and environment is impacted by this indicator. The hygroscopicity value rises in the open air, contingent on the weather, and falls in a dry, warm room.

Why is this parameter important to take into account? Vapors released when temperature changes condense when external humidity and temperature indicators shift. In this instance, heat loss happens, and in order to make up for it, specific requirements must be met. In labs, the hygroscopicity of fibers is examined. The amount of heat lost ought to match the maximum amount that the human body can produce in three to four hours.

The fabric’s structure, the way the yarn is twisted, the source of the fibers, and the finishing techniques all have an impact on the indicators of hygroscopicity. Furthermore, research is done on the capacity to absorb moisture (wetness) and the rate of absorption (capillarity).

Readings of hygroscopicity are entered into reference tables to ascertain the characteristics of various textile materials. Fabric samples are chosen for sewing a specific set of products based on the indicators. This is a problem that designers and technologists at sewing enterprises solve.

Electrification

There are connections among all of the material hygiene indicators. The fibers’ capacity to absorb moisture determines the amount of static electricity buildup. Cotton threads, for instance, have a low surface electrical charge despite being extremely hygroscopic. Chemically derived synthetic fibers that have a low rate of vapor and liquid absorption are actively electrified. Why is it that this indicator matters?

The fabric’s capacity to accumulate electrical potential, or charged particles, is known as electrification. The charge readings, whether positive or negative, are crucial when analyzing fabric samples. While a positive field lessens the material’s comfort, a negative field benefits the body.

The fabric’s thread composition determines whether it electrifies. Particles that are negatively charged can accumulate in natural fibers, viscose, and polyamide. Textile workers use a combination of threads to make fabrics meet comfort requirements. Threads that are opposite in terms of electrification are added to the fabrics in order to decrease the amount of positively charged particles in synthetic materials (the plus is compensated by the minus).

Air permeability

Carbon dioxide builds up in the space between clothing and the body when it is worn. Its quantity in this instance is twice that of the open air. An individual may lose consciousness when the mass fraction of CO3 reaches 0.1%. This gas also causes headaches, rapid fatigue, and a loss of concentration.

Hygienic standards for the air permeability of textile fabrics have been adopted in order to shield humans from the unpleasant effects of carbon dioxide accumulation. The structure and makeup of the fibers, the method of processing, the material’s porosity, and the weaving all affect its indicator.

The fabric’s capacity to "breathe," conduct air, and establish the necessary conditions (humidity and gas exchange) for the undergarment space is known as air permeability. In the ventilation process, this is the primary property. Creating thermal balance also requires air exchange. Air permeability decreases with increasing thermal conductivity of the material and vice versa.

Dust capacity

Dust holding capacity refers to a textile material’s capacity to collect dust particles both inside and on the exterior of the structure. The texture and kind of fibers determine its size. For instance, natural wool and pile fabrics (velvet, velor, plush, etc.) are characterized by their high dust capacity.

Heat-protective properties

It is challenging to undervalue the fabric’s capacity to hold heat. Materials meant for children’s clothing strictly adhere to this indicator. For instance, a developed heat exchange system is absent in newborns. In order to preserve the microclimate, baby clothes are made from materials with low heat conductivity.

The capacity of textiles to alter temperature in response to external factors is known as their thermal-protective property. This parameter is subject to specific requirements depending on the type of textile. The fabric absorbs heat when its thermal conductivity is low and releases it when it is high.

The fiber’s structure affects the indicator. Wool’s structure, which includes an air-filled cavity or channel inside each thread, accounts for its low heat conductivity. Conversely, flax dissipates heat rapidly. There is a high thermal conductivity in this fiber.

Vapor permeability

Sweating happens when clothes are being worn. The body secretes approximately one liter of secretion per day while at rest. Sweat glands can generate as much as 12 liters of sweat when engaged in vigorous physical activity.

The ability of a fabric to remove water vapor produced by perspiration is known as vapor permeability. The quantity released in an hour is used to compute the ideal indicator. This is a crucial parameter to take into account when sewing a variety of product categories, such as bed linens, sportswear, and children’s clothing.

Water resistance

Water resistance is a measure of a fabric’s ability to withstand moisture. a crucial factor to consider when producing waterproof materials. Using specific compounds during textile processing results in increased water detainland. Air exchange is not impacted by this property.

A film composition is applied to materials that have water-repellent characteristics. Here, the permeability of air and vapor is decreased.

To ensure comfort and health, it’s critical to give priority to fabrics that are breathable, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking when selecting fabrics for children’s and adult clothing. In order to avoid irritation and overheating, fabrics should allow the skin to breathe, especially on children’s sensitive skin. Furthermore, choosing textiles resistant to allergens and bacteria can improve hygiene and lower the chance of skin problems. To keep everyone comfortable and safe, clothing made of materials that adhere to these hygienic standards should be worn on a regular basis as well as on special occasions.

What fabrics have greater hygienic ability

Reference tables are used, which include indications obtained experimentally in specialized laboratories, to evaluate the hygienic properties of textile materials. It is important to remember that every fabric group serves a specific function. In turn, clothing is separated into production (special) and household categories.

The following table lists the general attributes of hygiene properties:

Characteristics Natural fibers Synthetic fibers Artificial fibers
Compound Cotton Flax Wool Silk Vinyl, lavsan, kashmilon, etc. Viscose, cellulose and their derivatives
Hygroscopicity 6-12% 6-12% 6-12% 13-18% Less than 1% 13-18%
Electrification Moderate Moderate Noticeable Least Moderate Moderate
Air exchange Average High Small Increased Low Average
Vapor permeability Optimal Good Average High Low High
Water resistance Low Average Good Low High Low
Dust capacity Below average Average High Weak Insignificant Average
Thermal conductivity Average High Low Low High Average

The most hygienic materials are natural silk and cotton fibers. Woolen materials are very good at holding onto heat. Artificial and synthetic fibers offer benefits as well. In terms of their mechanical and physical characteristics, they are better than natural materials.

List of the most hygienic fabrics

After examining the collected laboratory data, textilers discovered a number of textile kinds with excellent hygiene:

  1. Cotton. Demonstrates optimal air exchange, does not cause irritation and allergic reactions. The disadvantage of cotton materials is that it does not remove accumulated moisture for a long time. Denim (jeans) should be described separately. It also contains cotton fibers. But the weave is such that air exchange is difficult. Denim products are suitable for cool days. Materials made from cotton raw materials recommended for the underwear group: satin, percale, chintz, calico, flannel, etc.
  2. Linen has excellent hygienic properties, can cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Just like cotton, it absorbs moisture well and retains it for a long time.
  3. Silk. Considered the best of natural fabrics in terms of hygienic indicators. The disadvantage of the fabric is its high cost and care.
  4. Wool perfectly regulates heat exchange, but attracts dust and accumulates it in large quantities.
  5. Viscose. Despite its artificial origin, the fabric demonstrates good hygienic properties. It resembles silk in texture, but differs in weight. Quickly absorbs moisture, provides optimal air exchange.

The most hygienic materials for undergarments that come into direct contact with the skin are cotton, linen, viscose combined with cotton threads, and hemp.

Hygienic requirements for clothing fabrics

Clothes must preserve the undergarment space’s microclimate, as was already mentioned. Material samples are evaluated for this purpose based on a variety of factors. Test results are used to evaluate hygienic qualities.

GOST standards govern a material’s properties, or test indicators. The following criteria are set for clothing hygienic requirements:

  1. Hygroscopicity.
  2. Air exchange.
  3. Thermal conductivity.
  4. Comfort.

The garment should be comfortable to wear and take off, and it should not impede mobility. The purpose and season play a role in the selection of the indicators for the properties mentioned above. Therefore, fabrics with high air exchange and thermal conductivity are chosen for summer clothing, while these parameters are relatively low for winter clothing.

For both adults and children, knowing the hygienic qualities of fabrics is essential to making well-informed clothing decisions. Breathability, moisture wicking, and chemical-free fabrics are all important components of comfort and general wellbeing.

It is crucial to give special consideration to materials that are hypoallergenic, soft on the skin, and promote adequate air circulation when selecting clothing, particularly for young ones. Natural textiles that offer a decent balance of comfort and hygiene, like cotton and linen, frequently satisfy these needs.

Depending on the activity and surroundings, adults may have different needs. Still, the guidelines for selecting skin-friendly, breathable materials are the same. Choosing the appropriate fabric for everyday use or special events can improve comfort and health.

Taking these things into account when choosing what to wear can have a big impact on how you feel all day. By considering a fabric’s hygienic qualities, you can make sure that your wardrobe promotes your health and wellbeing in addition to its aesthetic appeal.

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Sergey Litvinov

I have been working in the field of textile art for over 20 years. I am passionate about textile design and create unique things inspired by traditions and modern trends. In my articles, I talk about how you can use fabrics to create unique and stylish things with your own hands.

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