Elongation Recovery Rate
Elongation recovery rate is a performance indicator that shows how much a textile returns to its original dimensions after being stretched to a certain length and the force is removed.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Elongation recovery rate is an indicator that shows how easily a stretched textile returns to its original shape. It is evaluated by stretching the textile under specified conditions and checking the remaining elongation after the force is removed. The higher the recovery rate, the smaller the dimensional change tends to be after stretching.
Rebound is a practical term for the tendency of a stretched textile to return to its original shape. Elongation recovery rate is used when evaluating that property numerically, but values cannot be simply compared if the test conditions differ.
Characteristics and Impact on Products
Textiles with excellent elongation recovery rate follow body movement during wear while making it easier for areas that easily sag, such as the knees, elbows, and hips, to recover. They help maintain a moderate fit and reduce bagging and loss of shape.
However, high recovery alone does not determine the hand feel. Softness, firmness, tightness, and the appearance of the surface vary depending on the knit structure, yarn type, density, finishing process, and other factors.
- Stretch refers to how much a textile can be stretched.
- Elongation recovery rate refers to how much it returns after being stretched.
- Even if elongation is large, recovery is not necessarily high.
Main Uses
It is used for pants, skirts, dresses, jackets, innerwear, and other items that require a good fit and ease of movement. In particular, for bottoms where the knees and hips are easily stressed, the tendency to bag after wear is considered and checked.
In knits such as circular rib, jersey, and waffle knit, designs that combine supple stretch and rebound are common. Suitability is also considered for sports use, leisure use, and lightweight spring and summer knit products.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting a textile, check not only the elongation recovery rate but also the elongation, fabric weight, thickness, required fit, and expected number of washes. At the planning stage, differences in stretch direction in the warp, weft, and bias directions also affect the wearing comfort and silhouette.
Washing, heat, friction, and long periods of pulling may lead to reduced recovery or dimensional change depending on the material and structure. Follow the care label and avoid excessive pulling. Before commercialization, prototype checks assuming after washing and after wear are important.
In sewing, stitching while pulling the textile may cause seam puckering or waviness. Choose sewing methods, thread, needles, and sewing conditions that can follow the stretch of the textile, and check whether the seams interfere with the textile's recovery.
Differences from Similar Terms
Stretch is a term that refers to the overall property of a textile to extend. Elongation recovery rate, on the other hand, is an evaluation focused on how it returns after being stretched. Even with stretch fabric, if recovery is insufficient, stretching remaining after wear may become noticeable.
Shrinkage rate is an indicator of how much textile dimensions change before and after processes such as washing and drying. The phenomenon evaluated is different from elongation recovery rate. Checking both makes it possible to examine dimensional stability during wear and after washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a textile with a high elongation recovery rate always easy to stretch?
Not necessarily. Elongation recovery rate relates to how easily it returns after being stretched, while stretch and elongation relate to how much it can be stretched. Depending on the application, it is necessary to check both performance factors and the textile's tightness.
Is a textile with good rebound suitable for pants?
For pants where you want to reduce stretching remaining at the knees and hips, good rebound is an effective factor. However, select the textile while also considering the required ease, thickness, surface texture, shrinkage rate after washing, and ease of handling during sewing.
Does elongation recovery rate change with washing?
It may change depending on the material, knit or woven structure, finishing, and washing method. It is also affected by heat, drying, and long-term loading, so before mass production, check the dimensions and fit after washing using prototypes, and set appropriate handling instructions.
