Fabric-Evoked Prickle in Worsted Spun Single Jersey Fabrics Part III: Wear Trial Studies of Absolute Fabric Acceptability

Abstract

Using wools with different diameter characteristics, the acceptability of worsted spun single 12 gauge jersey fabric for next-to-skin wear is assessed by wearing sleeves against bare arms. This assessment is undertaken with both skilled adult judges and an unskilled group of children aged 9 to 12 years. Both groups find sleeves made from fine wool to be comfortable and suitable for next-to-skin wear, with discomfort/prickle only occurring with the coarser fibers. Using the known diameter characteristics of commercially available tops, this work shows that the acceptability for next-to-skm wear changes rapidly from approximately 90% for 20.5 μm wool to 50% for 23.5 μm wool.