The aim of this study was to identify the tactile dimensions in the discrimination of light-weight wool fabrics. The participants
judged the overall similarity between 21 light-weight wool fabrics using free sorting tasks. The fabrics were evaluated using
active touch with limited exploratory procedure. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) was used to generate the perceptual space,
revealing one dimension of tactile perception. Finally, through regression analysis we were able to interpret this dimension,
using verbal attributes and physical properties of the fabrics. We discuss the relevance of the stimuli properties and the
associations between verbal attributes and between physical properties, on the evaluation of the fabrics, considering its
theoretical implications.
Research developed in the project COM4Wool - Design of Light-Weight Wool Fabrics; Valorization and Optimization of Total Comfort for High Added Value Clothing. Coordinated by Elisabete C. Silva, PhD. Reference: UMINHO/IDEIA-COM4WOOL/BI/2/05.