Abstract
This study focuses on factors that explain the tactile response generated in touching textile fabrics. Surface properties, which are especially associated with softness and smoothness of fabrics, are among the most important components of the fabric hand. Eight pairs of bipolar descriptors, including soli-hard, smooth-rough, cool-warm, etc., were used in rating the surface properties in a blind test. Principal component analysis of the result shows that two sets of primary components explain subjective reactions to fabric surface qualities: One set associates with the qualities of smoothness, slipperiness and coolness while the other associates with the qualities of softness, springiness and warmth.