Textile Term: Wrinkle Recovery
Wrinkle recovery is a term used to describe the ability of a fabric to bounce back and recover from wrinkles or creases. This property is important for garments and fabrics that are expected to maintain a neat and tidy appearance even after being packed or stored for an extended period of time.
Wrinkle recovery is often determined by subjecting a fabric to a certain amount of wrinkling or creasing, and then measuring the amount of recovery over a period of time. The recovery rate can be affected by a number of factors, including fiber type, yarn construction, and finishing techniques used on the fabric.
Wool, polyester, nylon, rayon, and silk are all fibers that have good wrinkle recovery properties, but the final product will also depend on how the fabric is constructed and finished. A garment made from a fabric with good wrinkle recovery can save time and effort in ironing and can maintain a neat and polished appearance even after wear and washing.
Many fabrics are treated with wrinkle-resistant finishes to improve their wrinkle recovery properties. These finishes work by either coating the fibers with a chemical that helps them resist wrinkles, or by physically altering the structure of the fibers to make them more resilient to wrinkling. Some popular wrinkle-resistant finishes include silicone, resin, and cross-linking agents.
Fabrics with good wrinkle recovery properties are highly valued in the fashion industry for their ability to maintain a crisp, clean look, even after repeated wear and storage. They are commonly used in dress shirts, suits, and other formal wear, as well as in home textiles such as curtains and bedding.
