Analysis of the factors affecting the dimensional stability of socks using full-factorial experimental design method

Socks, which are a necessary item of clothing, need to be comfortable, affordable, and retain their quality throughout their life. Dimensional stability is one of the basic requirements of socks. The purpose of this study is to investigate the contributing factors, that is, elastane percentage, main yarn material, and process type on dimensional stability of socks. Four different percentages of elastane in plaiting yarn (4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%), two main yarns materials (100% cotton and polyester/cotton 52/48), and two process types (wash and bleach) were taken as level of input variables to study the effect on dimensional stability of socks using full-factorial experimental design method. Statistical tool (analysis of variance) was used to check the significant effect of different factors. It was found that with the increase in elastane percentage, shrinkage was decreased. Cotton was found to have more shrinkage percentage as compared to polyester/cotton. In addition, it was observed that washing treatment produced significantly lesser shrinkage than bleaching. These data present a great interest to sock manufacturers who can make better choices to manufacture, dimensionally stable socks.