Textile Term: High Loft
The term 'high loft' in the textile industry denotes fabrics with a substantial thickness and a fluffy, voluminous texture. Such fabrics find their niche in insulating outerwear, blankets, and other cold-weather accessories.
Multiple techniques, including fiber selection, weave structure, and finishing processes, are employed to create high loft fabrics. Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are frequently utilized due to their ability to trap air and provide warmth.
The weave structure of high loft fabrics is designed to create a pile or looped surface, which provides additional surface area for air to get trapped, thus increasing the fabric's insulation value.
Finishing processes play a crucial role in augmenting a fabric's high loft properties. Brushing or raising the fibers on the surface of the fabric can create a more pronounced pile. Additionally, the water-repellent properties of this fabric can be improved by introducing a coating to the surface of the fabric.
High-loft fabrics come in a vast assortment of colors, patterns, and textures and have multiple applications beyond cold-weather items. They are often used in upholstery, home decor, and fashion items such as coats, vests, and scarves.
