Water transport property and wetness sensation of fabrics

Liquid water transport property of fabrics is important for clothing under hot and humid condition as well as conditions of high physical activity. It is a dominant factor affecting the thermal-physiological comfort. Here, we report a measurement method which can characterise the through-plane absorption behaviour of fabrics. Also, by calculating the water content of the bottom layer, the wetness of the fabric was evaluated. The wetness of the bottom layer correlates well with the subjective wetness sensation. Plant-structured fabric with grouped yarn at the back side and separated yarns at the face side facilitate the through-plane water movement. More water could be transferred to upper layers and its water content is lower than other structures, thus it could give a dry feeling to the wearer.