Investigating loss of wicking properties due to hard washing of the fabric used for top layer of the period underwear

Abstract

A period panty consists of three layers, a moisture wicking layer to transfer liquid away from the skin, absorbent layer to absorb liquid, and a protective layer to prevent leaking or staining [1]. The moisture wicking layer is made from a French terry material which has high wicking properties with a one-way transfer structure, allowing it to absorb the liquid and prevent it from returning to the surface. However, it has been observed that this wicking layer tends to lose its wicking properties after two LTD 30 hard washes. (One LTD 30 wash is approximately equal to twenty-five washes defined in AATCC 135 standard) When wicking properties of the top layer are lost, the liquid does not pass through to the absorbent layer, instead the liquid remains on the fabric surface. This will impair the functionality of the product and significantly reduce the comfortability of the wearer. Therefore, it is vital to find a solution to this issue to increase the durability of the product and to meet the requirements of the customer.