fabric

Textile Glossary

Hand Feel

Definition

The tactile sensation of a fabric when touched — encompassing softness, weight, drape, texture, and temperature. Hand feel is subjective but critical; it is the first thing a customer notices when picking up a garment. In manufacturing, hand feel is influenced by fibre type, yarn construction, knit or weave density, and finishing processes like enzyme washing, sanding, or silicone softening.