Effect of Industrial Bleach Wash and Softening on the Physical, Mechanical and Color Properties of Denim Garments

Garments washing is a novel process to impart worn-out look, to modify the appearance and to<br>improve the comfort ability of the garments. Bleach wash is used to fade the color of denim in a higher degree<br>as well as bleach wash has effect on the physical and mechanical properties of the denim also. This paper<br>presents the impact of bleach wash and subsequent softening treatment on 100% cotton denim dyed with indigo<br>dye. Garments were washed using a bleach concentration of 10 g/l for 30 minutes in 50oC temperature and then<br>softened using standard recipe. The physical, mechanical and color properties were analyzed in before wash,<br>after desizing, after bleaching and after softening. The properties that were analyzed include hand feel, tensile<br>strength, seam strength, fabric weight, stiffness, dimensional stability and color fading. Bleach washed and<br>softened garments exhibit a great difference in the physical, mechanical and color properties than the unwashed<br>garments.