Softening Finish
Softening finish is a finishing process applied to textile to give it softness, smoothness, and suppleness, and to improve hand feel and drape.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Softening finish is a finishing process carried out after the production of woven fabrics and knits, using softeners and other agents to reduce friction between fibers and lessen stiffness. Rather than changing the material’s inherent characteristics, it is performed to adjust the feel when touched and ease of handling.
It is also called soft finish. Depending on the finishing method, the chemicals used, the material, and the processing conditions, the resulting texture varies, such as a fuller softness, a smooth feel, or a graceful drape.
Features
Textiles treated with softening finish generally feel soft to the touch, and the surface feels smooth. For stiff textiles, it can reduce roughness and make them easier to wear, while for lightweight textiles, it can add graceful drape.
The effect on appearance depends on the processing details, but it may smooth surface fuzz or create a natural drape. On the other hand, if the processing is too strong, the textile may feel less firm and structured.
The effects on water absorbency, static electricity, and friction vary depending on the material and the type of softener. It is important to confirm compatibility not only with softness, but also with the functions and quality required for the intended application.
Main Applications
It is used for garments where hand feel and comfort are important, such as shirts, blouses, cut-and-sew tops, dresses, underwear, and nightwear. For natural fibers such as linen and cotton, it may also be adopted to achieve a soft, washed look.
For lightweight fabrics for spring and summer, it is used to improve skin comfort and suppleness, while for brushed materials and knits for autumn and winter, it is used to add fullness and a gentle touch. However, it is not a treatment limited to a specific season and is selected according to the material and product concept.
Selection and Handling Precautions
When selecting a textile, check a sample of the finished texture and determine whether the required firmness, drape, and sewability match the specifications. Even with the same composition and structure, the hand feel may vary depending on processing conditions and lot, so confirmation on textile close to mass production is necessary.
Softening finish is not a treatment that prevents shrinkage. Dimensional changes after washing depend on the material, structure, whether shrink-resistant processing was applied, and other factors, so check shrinkage tests and care labels separately. If necessary, consider prewashing in hot water or straightening the grain before cutting.
Soft, slippery textiles may shift during cutting or cause seam stretching or puckering during sewing. Test presser-foot pressure, feed, needles and thread, and interfacing compatibility in advance, and adjust sewing conditions.
- The softening effect may change with repeated washing.
- Strong friction or excessive drying may lead to changes in texture or fuzzing.
- Whether fabric softener can be used in washing depends on the product care label and the material characteristics.
Differences from Similar Terms
Softening finish is a finishing treatment primarily intended to make the textile softer. Shrink-resistant processing is a treatment that suppresses dimensional changes caused by washing and the like, and its purpose is different. Both may be applied, but softening finish alone does not necessarily prevent shrinkage.
Brushing is a treatment that raises the fibers on the textile surface to create nap and produce warmth retention and a soft appearance. Softening finish does not necessarily create nap; it mainly improves fiber glide and hand feel. The texture is related, but the processing method and surface changes are different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does softening finish make textile less likely to shrink?
The main purpose of softening finish is to make the texture softer, not to suppress shrinkage. Shrinkage after washing depends on the type of fiber, structure, dyeing and finishing conditions, and whether shrink-resistant processing was applied. Check the textile specification for shrinkage rate and conduct a pretest if necessary.
Is textile with softening finish difficult to sew?
Depending on the processing, slippery textiles with weak body may be more likely to shift during cutting or stretch during sewing. Adjust feed and presser-foot pressure through test sewing, and if necessary use stretch prevention or interfacing to help stabilize sewing.
