The hand of some spunbonded and spunlaced nonwovens is analyzed. Laboratory tests were conducted and subjective evaluations made to compare the hand of these nonwovens with the hand of some woven fabrics sold into apparel applications. Relationships between hand and quality words such as smoothness, stiffness, and weight are analyzed. Additional correlations are made with measured fabric prop erties, including flex stiffness and elastic modulus. An empirical equation is devel oped for computing hand from simple instrument readings.
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