Drying Rate Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Drying Rate.
What does it mean?
time for wet fabric to reach equilibrium. Working figures for Drying Rate normally sit around under 30 minutes for lightweight knits in mainstream production. Note AATCC 199 drying rate on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
What value should be specified?
Start from under 30 minutes for lightweight knits and adjust for the end use of the garment. Record elastane content alongside Drying Rate, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside under 30 minutes for lightweight knits usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
How is it tested?
AATCC 199 drying rate. Keeping reference values for Drying Rate lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with AATCC 199 drying rate, 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 Drying Rate normally sit around under 30 minutes for lightweight knits in mainstream production. Note AATCC 199 drying rate 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 Drying Rate, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside under 30 minutes for lightweight knits usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
