Revista de Ciência e Engenharia Têxtil

Nonwoven Garments: Critical Literature Review

Abstract

Muhammad Shahbaz Cheema

This paper aims to analyse the published works on nonwoven garments and underline the area of improvements in the nonwoven hydro entangled fabrics and how the properties limitations such as shearing rigidity, drape and thermal properties of nonwoven can be addressed through adopting special techniques of pattern-making that enable nonwoven hydro entangled fabrics for garment manufacturing. A garment's mechanics largely depend on the fabric properties and other factors like design and pattern making. Historically, nonwoven garments started from paper clothing in 1960 but could not succeed because of ill fit, lack of adequate strength and flammability. Over time, advanced technology and innovative materials enhanced the functionality of nonwoven fabrics that support the nonwoven fabric entering the clothing industry as the main fabric. Research institutes and research companies developed nonwoven garments using advanced nonwoven fabrics such as Tyvek® and Evolon®. However, medical and processing industries could only commercialise nonwoven fabrics as the main body wear for single-use or multi-use protective garments. Lack of drape, high shearing rigidity and minimal conforming properties of nonwoven fabric are the highly challenging areas of hydroentangled nonwoven fabrics for clothing application. Adopting an appropriate pattern technique mechanism can enhance functionality and comfort, where nonwoven garments perform expectedly.