COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF FRICTION AND MOISTURE-MANAGEMENT PROPERTIES OF SKIN-CONTACT TEXTILES

This article addresses the selection of textiles that come into direct contact with the skin for therapeutic and functional garments. The literature indicates that friction, contact pressure, moisture transport, and air permeability are interrelated characteristics of the skin–fabric interface. A comparative experimental protocol is proposed for cotton, modal, lyocell, and blended fabrics. The protocol includes measurements of fabric thickness and areal density, air permeability in accordance with ISO 9237, liquid moisture management using AATCC TM195 or an equivalent validated method, drying time, and repeated friction measurements against a standardized skin-simulating surface. Measurements before and after laundering are included to assess the durability of functional properties. The methodological contribution lies in integrating these indicators within a multi-criteria selection framework rather than assessing fabric composition alone. No original laboratory measurements by the author were provided for this manuscript; therefore, the article presents a testing protocol and a framework for analysing results rather than fabricated empirical findings. The proposed approach may support the preliminary screening of textiles for sensitive-skin garments, but it does not establish clinical efficacy.