Cover Factor Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Cover Factor.
What does it mean?
how completely yarns close the fabric surface. Working figures for Cover Factor normally sit around higher is more opaque in mainstream production. Note calculated from yarn and density on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
What value should be specified?
Start from higher is more opaque and adjust for the end use of the garment. Record elastane content alongside Cover Factor, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside higher is more opaque usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
How is it tested?
calculated from yarn and density. Keeping reference values for Cover Factor lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with calculated from yarn and density, since both affect the reading.
Why does it change between lots?
Process variables such as finishing temperature and elastane batch cause the normal spread of results. Working figures for Cover Factor normally sit around higher is more opaque in mainstream production. Note calculated from yarn and density on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Can results be compared across suppliers?
Only when the same standard revision and conditioning are used; otherwise measurements are not equivalent. Record elastane content alongside Cover Factor, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside higher is more opaque usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
