Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional printing (3DP), has been widely applied to various fields and industries, including automotive, healthcare, and rapid prototyping. This study evaluates the effects of 3DP on textile properties. The usability of a textile and its durability are determined by its strength, washability, colorfastness to light, and abrasion resistance, among other traits, which may be impacted by the application of 3DP on the fabric’s surface. This study examines the application of photosensitive acrylic resin on two fabric substrates: 100% cotton and 100% polyester white woven fabrics made of yarns with staple fibers. A simple alphanumeric text was translated into braille and the braille dots were 3D printed onto both fabrics. The color of the printed photosensitive acrylic resin was black, and it was an equal mixture of VeroCyanV, VeroYellowV, and VeroMagentaV. The 3D-printed design was the same on both fabrics and was composed of braille dots with a domed top. Both of the 3DP fabrics passed the colorfastness to washing test with no transfer or color change, but 3D prints on both fabrics showed significant color change during the colorfastness to light test. The tensile strength tests indicated an overall reduction in strength and elongation when the fabrics had 3DP on their surface. An abrasion resistance test revealed that the resin had a stronger adhesion to the cotton than to the polyester, but both resins were removed from the fabric with the abrader. These findings suggest that while 3DP on textiles offers unique possibilities for customization and design, mechanical properties and color stability trade-offs need to be considered. Further evaluation of textiles and 3D prints of textiles and their performance in areas such as colorfastness and durability are warranted to harness the full potential of this technology in the fashion and textile industry.

The increasing demand for sustainable practices in the textile industry has led to the exploration of natural dyes and eco-friendly dyeing processes. This study focuses on the potential of used coffee grounds (UCG) as an eco-friendly natural dye for Nylon 6.6 woven fabrics. Five dyeing processes were evaluated, varying in the use of mordants and acids, to assess their impact on the color saturation, colorfastness to laundering, and crocking resistance of Nylon 6.6. fabric. The processes included a control with no mordant or acid and others that incorporated tannic acid, acetic acid, and ferrous sulfate heptahydrate. The results demonstrated that process 4, which combined tannic acid pre-mordanting with acetic acid in the dye bath, provided the best balance between color saturation and colorfastness. Process 2, utilizing only tannic acid, offered some durability in laundering and crocking tests. Process 5, being the least eco-friendly process, demonstrated high color saturation, but it performed poorly in colorfastness to crocking, which means that it released the UCG-based dye after rubbing the dyed Nylon 6.6. fabric. The findings confirm that UCG can be an effective and sustainable natural dye for Nylon 6.6, with pre-mordanting and acid treatment significantly enhancing dye uptake and retention. However, further research is needed to optimize color intensity and expand the application of UCG in textile dyeing.

Review of: Profiles of the Mannequin: The Cultural and Historical Impact of the Mannequin , Eric Feigenbaum (2024) London: Bloomsbury Visual Arts, 248 pp., ISBN 978-1-35041-811-0, p/bk, USD 37.95

Review of: Fashion Education: The Systemic Revolution, Ben Barry and Deborah A. Christel (eds) (2023) Bristol: Intellect, 352 pp., ISBN 978-1-78938-680-6, p/bk, $47.95

(1) Background: The increasing demand for sustainable practices in the textile industry has led to the exploration of natural dyes and eco-friendly dyeing processes. This study focuses on the potential of used coffee grounds (UCG) as an eco-friendly natural dye for Nylon 6.6 woven fabrics. (2) Methods: Five dyeing processes were evaluated, varying in the use of mordants and acids, to assess their impact on color saturation, colorfastness to laundering, and crocking resistance of Nylon 6.6. fabric. The processes included a control with no mordant or acid and others that incorporated tannic acid, acetic acid, and ferrous sulfate heptahydrate. (3) Results: The results demonstrated that Process 4, which combined tannic acid pre-mordanting with acetic acid in the dye bath, provided the best balance between color saturation and colorfastness. Process 2, utilizing only tannic acid, offered some durability in laundering and crocking tests. Process 5, being the least eco-friendly process demonstrated high color saturation, but it performed poorly in colorfastness to crocking, which means that it releases the UCG-based dye after rubbing of the dyed Nylon 6.6. fabric. (4) Conclusions: The findings confirm that UCG can be an effective and sustainable natural dye for Nylon 6.6, with pre-mordanting and acid treatment significantly enhancing dye uptake and retention. However, further research is needed to optimize color intensity and expand the application of UCG in textile dyeing.

Review of: The Modern Venus: Dress, Underwear and Accessories in the Late 18th-Century Atlantic World, Elisabeth Gernerd (2024) London: Bloomsbury, 352 pp., ISBN 978-1-35029-337-3, p/bk, USD 37.95