Evaluation of drape, bending and formability of woven fabrics made from metal covered hybrid yarns

The novel textile structures including yarns with metal fibres or filaments have been investigated in terms of functionality, but not in terms of their ability to be manufactured into a garment. In this study, these novel structures were evaluated from the point of view of tailorability and fit. For this purpose, bending rigidity, formability and drape coefficient of woven fabrics produced from metal covered hybrid yarns in different weaves were measured and compared with the fabrics woven without metal wire. The results of these parameters and their relationships were assessed statistically with the explanations of their influence on tailorability and fit. The results confirmed quantitatively that these structures could provide better fit and tailorability when they were applied as a layer into a garment rather than being used in the whole garment production. Keywords: Cotton yarn, hybrid yarn, metal wire, woven fabric, drape coefficient, bending rigidity, formability, tailorability, fit.