Abstract
The purpose of this research was to find out the factors that explain the subjective texture sensibility and image sensibility of knit fabrics. 43 different kinds of commercial knit fabrics were assessed subjectively by 178 consumers using the 7-point scale of 65 descriptors. The dimensions evaluating the texture sensibility and image sensibility of knit fabrics were also developed using the multi-dimensional scaling method. Hand and preference were predicted by the texture and image sensibility factors, respectively. The texture sensibility is explained by five factors: bulk, stiffness, density, elasticity and evenness. The image sensibility is explained by seven factors: feminine/masculine, new, casual, clear, classic, old and orderly. Better hand is found in knit fabric of pliable, light, and dry & bouncy texture. Higher preference is found in knit fabric of clean, comfortable, silent, attractive and chic image. The hand was predicted 51.1% with stiffness, density, bulk, and evenness factor. The preference was predicted 43.6% with new, feminine/masculine, casual, orderly and clear factor. The correlation coefficient between hand and preference was 0.358. Image sensibility is more important than hand on the preference of top outerwear.