Predicting the Flexural Rigidity in Fused Shirt Components Using Design of Experiment

Men’s formal shirts have fused components requiring a specific level of stiffness to maintain a crisp formal look. The stiffness of the neck band is an essential criterion in the aesthetic look when displayed on the retail shelf and during end-usage. This study aims to explain the effect of the physical parameters of the fabric, interlining and fusing process parameters on the flexural rigidity of the fused collar stand. The two-step factorial analysis of screening and reduced factor design shows that the flexural rigidity of samples after fusing is influenced by three factors: fabric areal weight, interlining areal weight and interlining finish. Furthermore, the flexural rigidity of samples was reduced considerably after washing and was influenced by three factors: interlining areal weight, interlining finish and fusing time. The polynomial equation explaining the relation has been derived. The findings help understand the variables to consider while selecting interlinings for formal shirts.