(Un)Conventional engineering tests to predict fabrics sensorial properties

The research investigates the possibility of objectively anticipating the sensorial qualities of fabrics as an opportunity for competitiveness in textiles’ fields. To this end, three meaningful subjective sensorial perceptions for a specific sampling of fabrics have been associated with objective material properties measured through both conventional and alternative tests. The samples have been eventually assessed by three groups of panelists in three different sensorial modalities, involving touch and sight. Data from the physical and mechanical tests were then statistically related to these subjective rankings in order to identify objective properties that best anticipate specific sensorial information. Two are the main results: (a) subjective perceptions are independent from user’s professional background; (b) a specific objective property is a reliable parameter for softness sensorial anticipation. Finally, a set of tools is proposed to exploit the potentiality of the obtained results.