Wear Test Report

1

Wear Test Report /
SMHM 3650 Textile Evaluation /
Rebecca Pena /
12/7/2009 /

Abstract:

A wear test is performed to gauge the serviceability of Hanes socks. The test includes determining aesthetic and maintenance performance features by using staining, pilling, snagging, and dimensional stability observations as an outline. The product received averaged ratings, not uncommon due to the fabric content and construction, and was deemed serviceable to the mass market at large.

Purpose:

Wear testing gauges the serviceability and functionality that a product produces on average to its users. This particular wear test was executed to observe how well a Hanes sock performs when used by its target market, the examiner. Does the sock shrink? Does its outward appearance stay the same? Do holes form easily over time? These questions are but a few that apparel manufacturers’ answer before putting a new item on the shelf. Tests are preformed because consumers expect the product to behave and do what it is meant to do; whether the consumer based their assumption on price, brand, or comparison shopping. If serviceability is acceptable or excellent, theproduct is more likely to be sold and bought again bringing in more money and sales for the retailer and manufacturer. This is why wear testing is done and why consumers value top brands and clothing lines. The product serviceability is great and if not, the product in question is fixed and tested again until the expected outcome is achieved.

Background:

Performance qualities concerning aesthetics and maintenance were evaluated throughout the four week wear test process. Aesthetic qualities included the pilling and snagging ability the sock sustained after being worn and washed under controlled settings. The pilling propensity of a fabric “is complex and affected by many factors which may include type of fiber or blends, fiber dimensions, yarn and fabric construction, fabric finishing treatments and refurbishing methods.” The degree of pilling also depends on active conditions the sock was put through. If the sock was worn for a long period of time outdoors and around high stress locations, like the gym, then the pilling would be higher compared to a sock worn to bed for eight hours or less. The same can also be said about the snagging propensity the sock appears to have sustained after being worn. While both pilling and snagging depend on fabric type and construction, snagging plays a bigger role on fabrics with differing degrees of color contrasts and the “presence of long distortions or long protrusions.” Both examinations determining pilling and snagging propensity were done on a rating scale with numbers1 through 5. Number 5 was ranked withno pilling/snagging and number 1 was ranked and recorded as if there was a severe pilling/snagging problem.

Maintenance issues regarding the tests involved staining and dimensional stability of the sock after being worn. After every wash a test was completed using the AATCC Gray scale to determine the level of staining. “This evaluation procedure describes the use of the Gray Scale for evaluating staining of unstained textiles resulting from colorfastness tests.” Was the sock able to retain its original color?This test answered that question after every controlled wash. Dimensional stability in both length and width determines either bad or sound fabric construction. It’s “affected by garment tensions, sewing threads or trims in addition to fabric dimensional change.” If the fabric were to shrink, how much did it compact? If not, did the sock stretch and grow?The change percentage was measured with starting length and width benchmarks that were continued to be measured of to the last wash date. The new width was subtracted by the old width and then divided by the old width once again to get the correct percent change in width dimensional stability. The same was done for length dimensional stability. All these performance qualities were responsible for determining whether the sock in question was serviceable to the public or not.

Method:

The sock used in this wear test was part of Hanes Collection ‘Cushion No Show.’ Its properties included: “ring spun cotton for extra softness, cushioned foot bottom, spandex throughout for stretch and shape retention, smooth toe seam for added comfort, and Pink Hanes on foot bottom for easy matching.” The sock was made in the USA and bought at a Target retailer for “$5.00 per 5-pack of socks.” The standard size was used and contained “67% cotton, 30% polyester, 1% natural latex rubber, 1% spandex, and 1% other fiber.” Its machine washable and can be mixed with colors in the warm cycle. Non-chlorine bleach was recommended to use when needed and the socks had to be tumble dried in medium heat. Its outward appearance consisted of a smooth stark-white sock with pink sections on the toe and heel. During each wash cycle, Purex Ultra Concentrate was used in the washer. This soap was free of perfumes and dyes along with OxiClean Stain Fighter Free whitener. In the dryer, Bounce dryer sheets free of perfumes and dyes were used. The settings had to be as controlled as possible.

The wear test from this point on was relatively simple. Sock width and lengths were documented before first wear by set benchmarks marked into the sock at 3 inches from the center in both directions. Sock appearance was also documented. The Sock was worn no less than 2 hours or more than 7. After wear, the socks were washed and dried under their controlled settings and released back into the examiners hands for another wear day. Before the process was repeated, staining was examined using the AATCC Gray Scale. This was done by comparing the worn and washed sock with the white/gray swatch given in the scale. The Gray Scale ranked from 1-5 with number 5 being less change whereas number 1 ranked as the biggest and darkest color change. After observing and documenting sock staining the worn and washed sock was once again measured using the original benchmarks of the first documentation. The calculations were subtracted by the original benchmark number of 3inches and then divided by 3 once again. Each time after this, every new measure was subtracted by the documented measure of the wash before it, before being divided by the old number once again. This process was done 4 times.

Analysis of Data:

Overall, the socks performed relatively well. Pilling and snagging was averaged at a rank of 3 which can be seen on Graphs 1 & 2. No sock, after worn and washed once, was unscathed; pills and snags covered the top and bottom portions of the material,all around the sole and toe of the foot. The material was deeply stained when the test was completed. It ranked at an average of 3.8 which can be seen on Graph 3. The sock did not retain its original color after the first wash and if worn routinely for long periods of time, the data reports the darker the sock will become. Dimensional stability stayed under 5% throughout the wear test process. There were no drastic changes, the average was subtle and happened at one time, usually after the first or second wash.

The examiner believes the socks performed as they did due to fabric content and construction. Shrinkage was due to a majority cotton fiber count and elongated stretch was due to sock conditions when worn. Pilling and snagging are expected in socks due to the proximity to rougher surfaces and the examiner received a fair share. The examiner also didn’t expect the socks to perform any different than they did. Sock staining wasn’t dramatic and nothing besides pilling and snagging was any severe during the test.

Due to the results of the wear test, the examiner would recommend the use of said socks for regular use. The socks are serviceable and didn’t receive any severe distortions. This particular sock brand is perfect for outdoor activity and nighttime bed wear. No money will be lost and the price is relatively perfect for the service you get. If the examiner were to improve the performance of the socks due to the results of the wear test, staining and pilling would be the first issue to tackle first. A few pills are fine for a sock worn regularly; but, a sock almost completely filled with dark pills is unacceptable whether the consumer cares or not. The color of the sock should also stay as close as it can to its original color without added bleaches and detergents. Stain retardant would limit permanent damages and help keep the sock looking new and healthy. With these issues solved, the examiner believes that more Hanes socks will be bought and sold in the future.

For the price, these socks gave a serviceability that can be used by athletic and non-athletic people. Upkeep and wash is simple and step by step. No harm, unless intended, will befall these socks while worn correctly with shoes or carpeted flooring. The only instance the examiner can see damage coming to the product would be if the sock was worn outside in rough terrain without the aid of cover protection.

References:

1. ASTM Standard D31, , “Standard Guide for Conducting Wear Tests on Textiles,” ASTEM International, West Conshohocken, PA, , DOI: 10.1520/D3181-95R02: www. Astm.org.
2. Hatch, Kathryn L. (2006). Textile Science. Apex: Tailored Text Custom Publishing.
3. Serviceability. (n.d) In Wiktionary. Retrieved from