Textiles and Apparel Flashcards

According to the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (TFPIA), which of the following pieces of information is NOT required on the label of a garment sold in the U.S.?

Answer: The garment's price

The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (TFPIA) is a federal law that mandates specific information on textile product labels to protect consumers. Required information includes the generic names and percentages of constituent fibers, the name or Registered Number (RN) of the manufacturer or marketer, and the country where the product was manufactured. The price is determined by the retailer and is not a requirement of this federal labeling act.

A designer is creating a line of high-performance athletic wear intended for activities that cause heavy perspiration. The MOST critical characteristic for the primary fiber used in these garments would be:

Answer: Wicking

Wicking is the ability of a fiber to pull moisture (sweat) away from the body to the fabric's surface, where it can evaporate quickly. This process keeps the wearer dry, helps regulate body temperature, and prevents chafing, making it the most critical characteristic for performance athletic wear. High absorbency (like cotton) would hold sweat against the skin, while heat retention would be undesirable.

Which of the following fabric constructions is characterized by a diagonal rib pattern on its surface and is known for its durability, making it a common choice for denim and workwear?

Answer: Twill weave

A twill weave is created by passing the weft yarn over one or more warp yarns and then under two or more warp yarns, with an offset between rows. This process creates a distinctive diagonal rib or 'wale' on the fabric's surface. This structure makes the fabric very durable and is the characteristic weave used for denim.

A consumer is looking at a care label on a new sweater. The label shows a symbol of a washtub with a hand in it. What does this internationally recognized symbol instruct the consumer to do?

Answer: Hand wash the garment

The symbol of a washtub with a hand in it is a standard care symbol that means 'Hand Wash'. This indicates that the garment is too delicate for any type of machine washing and must be laundered manually to prevent damage.

A clothing designer wants to draw attention to the neckline of a dress. Which of the following design techniques would be most effective at creating a point of emphasis?

Answer: Adding a contrasting color collar with intricate beadwork

Emphasis is the principle of design that creates a focal point to capture the viewer's attention. Using a contrasting color and adding texture like beadwork in a specific area (the neckline) will naturally draw the eye, making it the center of interest. The other options either create a uniform look, focus on the overall shape, or draw attention to a different part of the garment.

Which of the following is a key characteristic of natural cellulosic fibers, such as cotton and linen, that distinguishes them from many synthetic non-cellulosic fibers like polyester?

Answer: They are highly absorbent and biodegradable

Natural cellulosic fibers, which come from plants, are hydrophilic, meaning they have a high affinity for water and are very absorbent. They are also biodegradable, meaning they can be broken down naturally by microorganisms. In contrast, many common synthetic fibers like polyester are hydrophobic (water-resistant), thermoplastic (melt with heat), have high elasticity, and are wrinkle-resistant.