Wear Test Report-1

Running Head: WEAR TEST REPORT 1

Wear Test Report

Stephanie Harris

April 5, 2015

MDSE 3650 Advanced Textiles

WEAR TEST REPORT 2

Abstract

This wear test was constructed in order to test Hanes Cushion No Show Socks

against ASTM and AATCC standards using standardized tests to determine whether the

product is serviceable to the end consumer or not. In the wear test, stain resistance, pill

resistance, snag resistance, and dimensional stability are tested. Depending on if each

category passed or failed the test, recommendations are given in order to improve the

serviceability of the product, if needed.

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Purpose

Importance of the Wear Test

The purpose of this sock wear test is to measure the serviceability of the brand’s

product. It is necessary to test how a product performs through use and care by the

customer for many reasons. One of the key reasons for this test is because a customer’s

potential loyalty to a brand lies in the serviceability they receive from the product they’ve

purchased. They expect a certain quality from the product based on their knowledge of

the brand. Another reason to test how well a product performs is because the customer is

likely to share their experience with the product with their peers, determining if they too

will purchase from the brand which effects the image of the brand. For the actual brand, a

wear test can tell the manufacturer if the methods of production they currently use are

effective or not, helping them with future product development and production.

Target Market and their Expectations

The target market for this particular product is for women who want to spend a

low amount of money for quality socks. Having a top of the mind reputation among the

consumer when it comes to underwear for men and women, Hanes has a high reputation

to uphold. Therefore, customers automatically expect serviceability and beyond from the

socks. Customers want the sock to last longer than another sock that they might have

purchased, because Hanes is known as a strong brand. When purchasing socks, a

customer needs a product that will keep their feet comfortable as well as protect their feet

when worn.

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What the Wear Test Tells Us about the Product

Performing a wear test tells the company if their product meets AATCC and

ASTM regulations, as well as telling the metric of how well they meet these standards.

The standards are meant to guarantee a serviceable product that should satisfy the

customer. The standards that are to be met include staining, pilling, snagging, and

dimensional stability. Reaching or exceeding the ratings suggested by ASTM and

AATCC will tell the manufacturer if their product is made well enough to service the

customer’s needs. This information is important to the manufacturer because it will tell

them if they are doing a good job or not and if not, they know how much they need to

improve by. This tells them exactly what part of production needs to be changed and

improved or kept the same. For the retailer, this information tells them whether they are

selling a good product that will make the customer want to return next time they need this

product. To the customer, they can determine whether they can depend on the product to

meet their needs and if so, they will likely return to the same retailer for the same product

if needed.

Background

In the wear test, the pilling propensity, snagging propensity, dimensional stability,

and stain resistance are being tested. The pilling and snagging contribute to the aesthetic

of the socks while the dimensional stability and stain resistance tell us about the

maintenance.

Aesthetic

Pilling. The pilling propensity of the sock measures the small balls that form on

the surface of the item as a result of fibers tangling and balling up through use and

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washes. It is important to keep this rating low because the more pills that form, the less

appealing the aesthetic of the product becomes due to the visibility of the pills.

Snagging. The snagging propensity of the socks measures the amount of loose

yarns that are visibly out of place on the surface of the fabric. Like pilling, snagging is

visually unappealing on a product when it is excessive. It is important to keep the

snagging of the product low in order to maintain an aesthetically pleasing product after

use by the customer.

Maintenance

Dimensional stability. The dimensional stability of the sock measures how much

the product stretches or shrinks over time through wear and proper care procedures.

Dimensional stability is measured length-wise and width-wise to specifically tell which

direction the changes are occurring. Shrinkage or growth can be caused by the size of the

wearer’s foot in relation to the size the sock is originally and/or the elasticity in the

product’s fiber content. It is important to measure the dimensional stability so that you

know how much the product will change in size after being used and cared for. If the

product increases or decreases in dimension by too much it can affect the consumer’s

ability to comfortably wear the product.

Stain Resistance. The stain resistance of the socks measures the ability of the

product to avoid or release discoloration due to wearing by the customer. So long as the

customer properly cares for the item as instructed, they expect that the product will not

stain too easily. Because the product is worn on the feet, staining can occur through

normal everyday wear depending on if the wearer has on shoes or not. It is important that

the product releases staining in order to maintain the original (or close to original) color

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of the product. If the product does not have good stain resistance, it can make the socks

appear older and more dingy before the life of the product is complete.

Method

Sock Information

In this wear test, Women’s Hanes Cushion No Show Socks were tested. These

specific socks were made with ComfortBlend and spandex for a superior fit with ultimate

durability due to extra reinforcement in the toe and heel. They were made with

cushioning in the foot bottom for extra comfort without added bulk as well as a comfort

toe seam. Hanes Cushion No Show Socks are made in the United States and sold at

discount retailer, WalMart for $6.97 for a 6 pack of standard and extended sizes. The

fiber content of the product consists of 68% cotton, 29% polyester, 1% latex rubber, 1%

spandex, and 1% nylon. There is a satisfaction guarantee that promises the customer

satisfaction with the product, or a replacement or refund to compensate for any

dissatisfaction. In order to care for the product, it is instructed on the packing that the

customer is to machine wash warm with like colors using non-chlorine bleach, if needed

and tumble dried on a medium setting.

Testing Methods

In order to properly test the socks, the socks were worn for at least two hours then

properly washed and dried according to the care instructions on the packaging. After

being worn for at least two hours and washed, the pilling propensity, snagging

propensity, dimensional stability (length and width), and stain resistance were tested

before repeating the wear and wash cycle.

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Pilling test. In order to test the pilling rate of the socks, the evaluator visually

diagnosed how severe the presence of pills was on the surface of the fabric. According to

the ASTM pilling scale, the severity of pills was rated between 5 (no pilling) and 1 (very

severe pilling) and recorded.

Snagging test. To test the snagging of the socks, the evaluator visually diagnosed

how severe the presence of snagging was on the surface of the fabric. According to the

ASTM snagging scale, the severity of the pills was rated between 5(no snagging) and 1

(very severe snagging).

Staining test. In order to measure the stain resistance of the socks, the evaluator

used the AATCC grey scale to compare the difference in the original color of the bottom

of the foot compared to the product’s color after wear and wash on the bottom of the foot.

Using the grey scale, the product was given a rating between 5 (no staining) and 1

(completely stained).

Dimensional stability. To test the dimensional stability of the sock, benchmarks

were placed on each side of the sock to measure width as well as marks on the ends of the

foot and heel to measure length. Prior to the first wear and wash, the original dimensions

were recorded for the sock. After the first wear and wash of the socks, the benchmarks

were measured again and compared to the previous week’s recorded dimensions to see if

the sock shrunk, stretched, or stayed the same. By subtracting the previous week’s

measurements from the new measurements, then dividing the difference by the previous

week’s measurements and multiplying that by 100, the evaluator is able to find the exact

percentage change in the length and width.

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Analysis of Data

Staining Results

As a result of the staining test, the evaluators found that there was staining present

in the socks after being worn. In Graph 1, it shows that for the first two to three weeks,

staining was minimal in the socks, rating between 4.5 and 4, only a half step or a step

under the original color of the sock with no staining. Over the course of all four weeks of

testing, the staining averaged out to a 4.3, which is only 0.7 under the original color. The

socks performed well in the staining test and should be serviceable to the consumer,

meeting their wants and needs of the product.

Pilling Results

As a result of the wear test, the socks were very susceptible to pilling. As seen in

Graph 2, after just the first wash, each evaluator recorded at least light pilling on the

socks. Overall, the socks ended with an average of 3.3 on the pilling scale, meaning the

pills were moderate after 4 weeks of testing. This is due to the presence of cotton,

polyester, and elastic fibers in the fiber content. The contrast between the different fiber

types may cause some fibers to break off and roll up into the small balls all over the

socks. Because of the increase in pills after each wash, the consumer might not choose to

purchase this brand again when they purchase socks again because the more they pill, the

less durable they become.

Snagging Results

Over the course of the wear test, the socks experienced some snagging. After the

very first wash there was little to no snagging and throughout the wear weeks, snagging

did not become a huge problem. The average snag rating of the overall test was only 4.10

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(Graph 3). This is not a bad number to rate overall seeing that 5 rates as having no snags

at all. Therefore, the socks tested well and would be pleasing to the consumer in the

category of snag resistance. According to the ASTM the ability of the socks to resist

snagging is dependent upon the use by the consumer as well as the care and maintenance

done to them (ASTM, 2013).

Dimensional Stability Results – Length

As a result of the wear test, the evaluator found that the dimensional stability of

the length of the socks fluctuated each week of the test. All evaluators besides Evaluator

4 experienced a significant amount of shrinkage after the first wash. By the last week of

the test, all evaluators recorded 0 change in the dimensions of the socks. In conclusion,

the socks’ average percentage change in stability of the length was -0.44 (Graph 4). The

socks experienced a small amount of shrinkage in the length and therefore still passed the

test of being serviceable to the consumer.

Dimensional Stability Results – Width

In the width of the socks, there was some fluctuation but not as much as the

length. In the first week, only two out of the five evaluators experienced stretching while

the rest of the evaluators experienced no change. Like the dimensional changes in the

length, all stretching and shrinking seized by the fourth week of tests. The sock tested at a

0.86 stretch overall (Graph 5). This is a passing rating for the sock, meaning the sock

would not have changed in size too much to the point of being unserviceable to the

consumer. The elastomeric fibers of the sock’s fiber content helped to maintain the sock’s

dimensions without it becoming too big or too small to effectively serve the wearer.

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Recommendations

Overall, the socks tested fairly well in the categories of staining, snagging, and

dimensional stability in the length and width. The only test that was not satisfactory was

the pilling test. Although the pilling was not severe, it could have been better. The pilling

of the socks being the only small issue does not affect the overall serviceability of the

sock to the consumer, but if it were any worse it might. In order to fix this issue, the

manufacturer could make very minor changes in fiber content. There isn’t a need for a

completely different type of fiber within in the sock, but the increase or decrease of one

of the current fibers may help to lessen this issue. Outside of fiber content, pilling is

contingent upon how the consumer uses the product and not always based on something

that can be controlled or tested in a lab (ASTM, 2014). Other than this, the manufacturer

did a good job of constructing the product with a suitable fabric and knit method that

makes for a serviceable product. For the price and the target market, this sock upholds the

standard of quality expected from the brand while not costing too much.

Data Collection

Wear Test DataHanes Cushion No Show Socks

Staining Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Average

Stephanie Harris 4.5 4.5 4.0 3.5 4.13

Katelyn Hootman 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.0 4.38

Ebony Calderon 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.50

Anna Robertson 4.5 4.0 4.5 4.5 4.38

Jennifer Himes 4.5 4.5 4.0 3.5 4.13

4.30

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Pilling Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Average

Stephanie Harris 3 3 2 2 2.50

Katelyn Hootman 4 4 3 3 3.50

Ebony Calderon 4 4 4 3 3.75

Anna Robertson 4 4 4 4 4.00

Jennifer Himes 4 3 2 2 2.75

3.30

Snagging Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Average

Stephanie Harris 4 4 3 3 3.50



Anna Robertson 4 4 4 4 4.00

Jennifer Himes 4 4 3 3 3.50

4.10

Dimensional Stability

Percent Length Change Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Average

Stephanie Harris -4.76 0 2.5 0 -0.57

Katelyn Hootman -3.65% 3.05 -2.25 0 0.19

Ebony Calderon -4.57 0 0 0 -1.14

Anna Robertson -8.8 0 0 0 -2.20

Jennifer Himes 2.94 3.03 0 0 1.49

-0.44

Percent Width Change Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Average

Stephanie Harris 2.94 -2.86 5.88 0 1.49



Anna Robertson 4.16 0 0 0 1.04

Jennifer Himes 0 7.14 0 0 1.79

0.86

Graphs

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Graph 1

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Average 0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

Staining

Stephanie Harris

Katelyn Hootman

Ebony Calderon

Anna Robertson

Jennifer Himes

AST

M S

tain

Rat

ing

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Graph 2

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Average 1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

5

Pilling

Stephanie Harris

Katelyn Hootman

Ebony Calderon

Anna Robertson

Jennifer Himes

AST

M P

ill R

atin

g

Graph 3

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Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Average 0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Snagging

Stephanie Harris

Katelyn Hootman

Ebony Calderon

Anna Robertson

Jennifer Himes

AST

M S

nag

Rat

ing

Graph 4

WEAR TEST REPORT 15

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Average

-10.00

-8.00

-6.00

-4.00

-2.00

0.00

2.00

4.00

Dimensional Stability- Length

Stephanie Harris

Katelyn Hootman

Ebony Calderon

Anna Robertson

Jennifer Himes

Perc

ent C

hang

e

Graph 5

WEAR TEST REPORT 16

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Average

-4

-2

0

2

4

6

8

Dimensional Stability-Width

Stephanie Harris

Katelyn Hootman

Ebony Calderon

Anna Robertson

Jennifer Himes

Perc

ent C

hang

e

WEAR TEST REPORT 17

References

ASTM D5362-13 Standard Test Method for Snagging Resistance of Fabrics (Bean Bag). (2013). Doi: 10.1520/D5362. http://www.astm.org/Standards/D5362.htm

ASTM D3512 / D3512M - 10(2014) Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Random Tumble Pilling Tester. (2014). Doi: 10.1520/D3512_D3512M-10R14. http://www.astm.org/Standards/D3512.htm

http://www.astm.org/Standards/D5362.htm

Wear Test Report-1

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