Fabric Density
Mass per unit area of a textile material after completing all finishing and wash treatments represents the final density of the cloth. This property is known as finished mass yield, and it determines the weight of the fabric sold to garment manufacturers. It is expressed in grams per square meter or ounces per square yard.
Weight Verification
Mills compare the final weight of the fabric against the contracted fabric specification to ensure quality compliance. If the weight is too low, the fabric will feel thin and fail performance tests. If the weight is too high, the yield of garments per kilogram of fabric decreases, which increases the overall unit cost.
Shrinkage Compensation
Wet finishing, drying, and heat-setting must be calibrated to allow the fabric to shrink to its stable density. Allowing the yarns to relax during these processes ensures the fabric will maintain its weight after washing. For instance, a cotton fleece that has not been allowed to relax in the stenter will shrink excessively during the home wash cycle, altering both the weight and garment fit.
This adjustment is performed during continuous drying where the feed rate exceeds the takeout speed, allowing the fabric to compress along its length.
Commercial Allowance
Standard test methods define the moisture regain and tolerances for fabric weight measurements. Transactions between mills and garment makers permit a small variance, typically within five percent of the target weight. This allowance prevents disputes over normal fluctuations in mass during shipment.
