This study investigates the knitted fabrics’ air permeability and water vapor resistance as complex phenomena of the interaction between the fiber nature, fabric structural characteristics and, different wet processes. Bleaching and dyeing together with the content of elastane are the main factors determining fabric structural characteristics. 100% cotton fabrics have a higher intensity of warm/cool feeling since they have higher air permeability than elastane containing fabrics. The air permeability and water vapor resistance of elastane containing fabrics decreased after the wet processes, whereby the bleached knitted fabrics showed higher air permeability and lower water vapor resistance than dyed. Decreased air permeability and increased water vapor resistance of softened elastane containing fabrics are governed by the cationic softener pick-up mechanism. Namely, the cationic softener is deposited on the yarns’ surfaces; its hydrophobic carbon ends repel from each other. This acts as a barrier for air which contributes to an increase in the fabric water vapor resistance. The softened dyed knitted fabrics have lower air permeability and slightly higher water vapor resistance than softened bleached fabrics which may be attributed to the interaction between reactive dyestuff and cationic softener. The comfort properties quality of finished knitted fabrics decreased with elastane incorporation and with softening.

In this work, an experimental study on compression properties of two E-glass 3D woven fabrics, known as integrally woven sandwich fabrics, has been presented. Compression properties of 2D face fabrics and the core, as structural parts of integrally woven sandwich fabric, have also been investigated. Compression behavior of the samples (compressibility, compression work, and compressive resilience) was analyzed from the aspect of the weave design of face fabrics and the core structure (shape and density of the pile yarns). Results of the investigation showed that “8” shaped core structure, the greater surface density of the pile yarns, and the less compact structure of face fabrics ensure better compression properties of 3D fabrics. Specific weave design of face fabrics and the structure of the core significantly influence the behavior of 3D fabrics during successive increases, followed by a gradual decrease of pressure. During the loading of 3D woven structures, three regions of curves can clearly be seen compared to two regions which are registered at 2D face fabrics. Concerning 3D woven fabrics, the first region represents compression of the core, the second region is prolonged core compression and the third region refers to the simultaneous compression of pile yarns in the core and face fabrics. The density of pile yarns plays an important role in the region 1. In region 2, both the shape and density of the pile yarns are significant. Influence of the weave of face fabrics on compression behavior of 3D fabric can be noticed to a lesser extent in the region 2 and, especially in the region 3, where highly packed yarns assemblies are created.