Refining (Finishing)

Refining (also called finishing) covers the physical, mechanical or chemical processes that give yarn and fabric surfaces special properties, or improve properties they already have.

The processes at a glance

More than 30 different finishing processes are known in total. The most important ones for underwear are covered individually in our glossary:

• Bleaching – removes the natural dyes of cotton
• Dyeing and printing – gives underwear its colour and pattern
• Mercerising – for more sheen and shape stability
• Shrinking/sanforising – controlled pre-shrinking against shrinkage in the wash

Why finishing matters

Whether underwear keeps its white, stays in shape or does not shrink in the wash is largely decided in these processes. Alongside a very good basic fabric quality, Schiesser has always paid special attention to finishing.

You will find all terms around materials and workmanship in our Underwear Glossary.