Color Performance of Selected Island Fabrics

Abstract

"Color Performance of Selected Island Fabrics" is a study undertaken to determine which fibers, and the fabrics woven of them, would give favorable performance in our Hawaiian climate. The four fabrics give a general selection of the types found in the Hawaiian market. These fabrics are widely used in apparel for Muu-muus, Aloha shirts, swimwear, and casual sports and lounge wear. Color is a large influencing factor in the purchase of both ready-to-wear and yardage goods. It can probably be said that it is the only factor in many decisions. Because color is so important to us, it is essential that color be maintained throughout the life of the fabric. "In the modern marketplace, consumers are usually more concerned with selecting the ‘just right' color than they are with consideration for other fiber and fabric characteristics.” Color is a visual sensation. Color on textiles are the result of dyes. "The technical definition for a dye is usually given as a compound that can be fixed on a substance in a more or less permanent state and that evokes the visual sensation of a specific color." Another coloring substance is the pigment, which, unlike a dye, is insoluble and does not penetrate the fiber. A pigment is mainly an organic coloring compound which must be held to the fabric with some type of adhesive, resin, or bonding agent. The "Hot Pink" so popular in Hawaii is a pigment which frequently wears off very quickly. However, dyes also "cause problems for consumers despite the fact that dyestuffs have improved tremendously during the past 25 to 30 years, and despite improvements in printing processes. Dissatisfaction may be the result of improper fabric care when the consumer ignores label information; or because information and directions provided on the label by the manufacturer are inadequate." This study will attempt to uncover some generalizations that can be made regarding the textiles used in Hawaii.