Wearing Qualities of Selected New Mexico Wools

Abstract

Four lots of wool fiber, selected for fineness and crimp, were manufactured into comparable tropical worsted fabrics for wear in outer garments by girls six to 16 years of age. Breaking strength and elongation were used to measure the changes in the fabrics with wear. The breaking strength of the warp and of the filling of the fabrics made from the fine wools was greater than for the medium wool. Loss in fabric strength was a linear function of the hours of wear. Fabric elongation decreased with hours of wear, but generally, in a less direct fashion than did the strength. , The backs of the garments and the filling yarns in the backs lost most strength and elongation with wear.