Finishing in the context of clothing refers to the final processes applied to fabric after dyeing, aiming to improve its appearance, feel ("hand"), and performance by adding treatments that can make it water repellent, wrinkle resistant, flame retardant, anti-static, softer, or have a specific drape, depending on the desired outcome; essentially transforming the raw fabric into a usable material for clothing production.
Key points about clothing finishing:
- Purpose:
To enhance the aesthetic and functional properties of a fabric, making it suitable for specific clothing applications.
- Common finishing techniques:
- Bleaching: Removes natural color from fibers to create a white base for dyeing.
- Mercerizing: Chemical treatment that improves cotton's strength, luster, and dye-ability.
- Softening: Adds chemicals to make the fabric feel soft and comfortable.
- Wrinkle resistance: Chemical treatments to reduce creasing
- Water repellency: Applying a coating to resist water absorption
- Flame retardancy: Treatments to slow down the spread of flames
- Anti-static finishes: Reduces static electricity buildup on synthetic fabrics
- Process stages:
- Washing and drying: Initial cleaning and stabilization of the fabric
- Chemical treatments: Applying specific finishing agents based on desired properties
- Pressing and heat setting: Shaping and fixing the fabric
- Types of finishes based on durability:
- Permanent: Treatments that last for the life of the garment
- Semi-durable: Effects gradually diminish with washing
- Temporary: Finishes that can be easily removed with washing