Abstract

Gül ÖZKAN

Fashion Design Program, Istanbul Nişantaşı University, Istanbul, Türkiye

*Corresponding Author: Gül ÖZKAN, gul.seyhan@nisantasi.edu.tr

               Received: 21 January 2026, Revised: 30 January 2026, Published: 14 February 2026

 Abstract                                                                                                                                                                                

Air permeability is a critical performance parameter in determining thermophysiological comfort in clothing products. It is also directly related to the structural properties of the fabric and its fiber composition. Wool-polyester blend woven fabrics are among the common clothing materials that aim to meet both comfort and durability requirements through the combined use of natural and synthetic fibers. Literature findings indicate that the natural crimped structure and high volume-forming capacity of wool fibers increase fabric porosity, thereby positively affecting air permeability. In contrast, the smooth surface structure and more compact arrangement tendency of polyester fibers reduce the inter-fiber void volume and limit air flow. Based on the literature, it is possible to state that as the polyester content increases, the fabric porosity decreases, leading to statistically significant reductions in air permeability values. The effect of polyester content on air permeability in wool blend woven fabrics should be evaluated in conjunction with parameters such as fiber type, fiber content, yarn properties, and weave structure. Depending on the desired comfort level in clothing products, the polyester ratio must be carefully determined, and it is understood that more comprehensive experimental studies are needed in the literature to determine the optimal fiber ratios. In this study, the findings indicate that the polyester content and changes in the structural properties of wool/polyester blended woven fabrics lead to measurable differences in air permeability values and are significant in terms of garment comfort.

Keywords: Wool, Polyester, Air permeability, Wearing comfort