Moisture management is one of the essential properties required for knitted fabrics. Generally, the moisture management fabrics regulate the heat and moisture by maintaining the body temperature and keep the wearer cool and comfortable. Cotton fibres are known for their excellent properties in clothing to be worn in a normal situation by managing a limited quantity of sweat. During any sports activity, the human body dissipates a greater amount of sweat for an extended period of time and cotton fibre blended with polyester is generally recommended for its low moisture absorption and durability. In recent years, polyester fibres are most widely used for sportswear applications due to their better moisture transmission properties. This study mainly focuses on the influence of coresheath ratio, twist and loop length on the moisture management properties of the knitted fabrics made from cotton/polyester core-spun yarns.

This study, mainly focused on the effect of core-sheath ratio, twist and stitch length on the thermal comfort properties of single jersey knitted fabrics produced from various ratios (100:0, 80:20 and 60:40) of cotton/ polyester core spun yarns. The Box-Behnken design tool was used to study coresheath ratio, twist and stitch length on the thermal comfort properties of single jersey knitted fabrics and response surface equations were derived and design variables were optimized. From this study, the findings reveal that the decrease in cotton ratio among the fabrics made from core spun yarns decreases the fabric thickness and hence a more porous structure that results in higher thermal conductivity, air permeability, water-vapour transmission and less thermal resistance. It is also evidenced that, increase in the yarn twist (high) and the stitch length (tight) in the fabric structure makes thicker and less porous fabric which results in higher thermal resistance and lesser thermal conductivity, air permeability and water-vapour transmission.