Garment finishing is the final step in the textile industry, combining both mechanical and chemical processes. Fabrics are often treated to alter their texture or appearance, and garments may be finished with a variety of adornments. Some of these finishes are designed to protect the product from damage, while others are intended to enhance its appearance or handle. The process of apparel finishing is labor-intensive, and workers are exposed to a range of safety risks.
The earliest steps in the garment finishing process involve breaking down the pattern design into components for cutting and sewing. Traditionally, cardboard patterns are made up and graded for size, while paper-cutting markers are used to mark the pattern pieces for cutting. In modern plants, the patterns are often created on computer screens and printed using a plotter.
When the sewing process is complete, there will be a few loose hanging sewing threads that must be sucked by the machine in the finishing department. This step is referred to as trimming, and it helps make the finished products look clean and neat. In addition to trimming, the finishing department is responsible for completing other tasks such as pressing, folding and packing garments into cartons.
Finishing is the final step before a garment is ready for shipping, and it can involve both mechanical and chemical processes. Scouring the fabric with detergents, alkaline solutions or enzymes removes impurities. Shearing or singeing smooths the fabric by burning off fine protruding fibers on the surface of the cloth. Calendering makes one or both surfaces of the fabric smooth and shiny, and it can also add a degree of thickness to the fabric. This mechanical process is sometimes called pre-shrinking to prevent the fabric and the finished garment from shrinking during washing.
Other garment finishing treatments include softening, soil-release finishes and finishes for ultraviolet (UV) protection. These products are designed to protect the fabric from damage and extend its life by making it easier to clean and more resistant to staining. They can be applied to both natural and synthetic fabrics, but they are most commonly used on cotton and polyester clothing.
In addition to these products, there are many other finishing processes that can be used to modify the fabric. For example, bleaching woven cotton fabrics can be used to create an even color. Fulling or waulking adds fullness and stiffness to the fabric, and hydrophobic finishing with a durable water repellent can increase its resistance to stains. Weighting silk with metallic salts or polymer can add body and lustre to the fabric, while adding abrasion resistance.
As the garment production cycle progresses, it is important for manufacturers to pay close attention to finishing. Mistakes in the garment finishing and quality departments can become very costly, as these mistakes can compound throughout the production process. By focusing on finishing, manufacturers can reduce the amount of time and money they spend on reworking and reprocessing faulty products. They can also ensure that their products meet the expectations of their customers and improve their bottom line profits. apparel finishing