Durability of Serge in Trousers

Abstract

The performance of worsted serge in trousers was studied. A domestic wool of 58's grade was woven into an 8 oz/yd² serge (standard 2/2 twill, 68 X 68) that was dyed gray. Thirty-six pairs of trousers tailored from this serge were worn by college students until no longer acceptable for use (classroom wear). The service life of the trousers averaged 134 14-hr days. Average bursting strength of the trousers dropped from the original 135 lbs to 81 lbs (40% loss). Strength in general areas was as follows: ankle, 127 lb (6% loss): knee, 85 1b (37% loss) ; thigh, 83 lb (39% loss) ; seat, 52 lb (62% loss). Thin or threadbare spots and holes were characteristic wear patterns in the serge. Photographs show types of deterioration. For the original serge, a linear relationship was established between loss in bursting strength and cycles of flat abrasion from 0 through 1200. Agreement was also good between bursting strength results from worn trousers and from laboratory abraded fabric.