An Alternative Method for Evaluating Fabric Elasticity: Hysteresis Analysis

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for comfort, ease of movement, and shape retention in sportswear and outdoor clothing. Accordingly, research on the role of fabric elasticity in enhancing performance and comfort has gained importance. In this study, three different knitted<br>structures - RL, 1x1 Rib, and 1x1 Interlock - were used to produce fabric samples. Each type was tested with and without elastane yarn and subjected to washing and repeated loading conditions. The relationship between hysteresis in the force-elongation graph and fabric deformationwas<br>systematically examined by analyzing the effects of applied force, number of loading cycles, the effect of elastic yarn, and washing treatments. The results indicated that 1x1 Rib fabrics exhibited the lowest deformation and hysteresis loss, while RL fabrics showed the highest. The inclusion of<br>elastane significantly improved elastic recovery and reduced hysteresis. Furthermore, the washing process contributed to a reduction in residual hysteresis in most samples. These findings underscore a strong and quantifiable link between hysteresis and fabric elasticity, offering a novel perspective for<br>developing more resilient textiles. By providing a deeper understanding of how fabrics respond to repetitive forces, this research advances fabric engineering and the design of durable garments, presenting practical implications for textile manufacturing and quality assessment processes.<br>Ultimately, the study proposes hysteresis analysis as a practical and time-efficient alternative to traditional long-duration tests for assessing fabric elasticity.<br>