DP Grade
DP grade is a durability press rating that evaluates, by comparison with a standard sample, how well a fabric or garment retains a smooth, wrinkle-free appearance after washing.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
DP grade is one of the appearance ratings that indicate durability press performance. It is judged by comparing a sample after washing and drying with a standard sample to evaluate how wrinkles remain and how well smoothness and pleats and other folds are retained. In general, the higher the grade, the better the appearance retention after washing.
Although the name includes “press,” it does not refer only to the strength of creases made with an iron. It is an evaluation that includes the property of looking neat with fewer wrinkles after washing, and it is not the name of a fabric weave, material, or wrinkle-resistant finish.
Features and Appearance
Fabrics with a good DP grade tend to retain fewer large wrinkles and fine wash wrinkles after home laundering, making them easier to iron. In shirts and uniforms, it can affect the clean appearance of the collar, front placket, and body.
However, hand feel and comfort cannot be judged by DP grade alone. When appearance retention is improved through processing such as resin treatment, it may affect the material’s original softness, absorbency, drape, and whitening caused by friction.
Main Applications
It is checked in shirts, blouses, uniforms, workwear, and other items that are washed frequently and are expected to maintain a neat appearance after washing. Material composition and processing methods vary, including cotton and polyester blends, and DP grade is not an indicator limited to a specific fiber.
For lightweight fabrics for spring and summer, balance with lightness and breathability is also checked. For autumn and winter items and jacket applications, balance with surface wrinkle appearance and tailoring appearance is also checked. In garment design, it is important to set evaluation conditions according to the required number of washes and wearing situations.
How to Choose and Handling Precautions
When selecting a fabric, check not only the grade value but also the test method, washing and drying conditions, number of tests, and whether the evaluation target is smoothness or crease retention. Results obtained under different test conditions cannot be compared simply, so the conditions need to be aligned in the spec sheet and quality standards.
Shrinkage, skew, color loss, and fuzzing are quality items separate from DP grade. Before mass production, carry out washing tests on the actual product, including accessories, interlinings, and sewing specifications, and also check seam puckering and wrinkles in each area.
When washing, follow the care label on the product. High-temperature drying, excessive spin drying, and overloading the washer may increase wrinkles, and the appearance retention achieved by processing may not be fully realized.
Differences from Similar Terms
Wrinkle-resistant finishing is a general term for processing intended to reduce wrinkles and deformation after washing. DP grade, on the other hand, is an indicator showing the result of evaluating such performance based on the appearance after washing. Even if a product has been processed, it does not necessarily meet the required DP grade.
Shrinkage rate is a number that shows dimensional change before and after washing, and its evaluation target is different from DP grade. Color fastness is also an item that evaluates color change and resistance to transfer. When judging quality, these should be checked together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a higher DP grade better?
In general, the higher the grade, the fewer wrinkles there are after washing, and the easier it is to maintain a smooth appearance and creases. However, the required level differs depending on the item, material, and washing method. It is important to determine the quality standards required for the product by also considering hand feel, shrinkage, and color fastness.
Do DP grade and wrinkle-resistant finishing mean the same thing?
No, they do not mean the same thing. Wrinkle-resistant finishing refers to processing to suppress wrinkles and deformation after washing, while DP grade is the evaluation result of appearance after washing and drying. Do not judge performance by the processing name alone; check the test conditions and grade to determine whether it meets the requirements of the fabric or product.
What should be noted when checking DP grade?
Check not only the grade value but also the type of washing machine, detergent, drying method, number of tests, and whether smoothness or crease retention was evaluated. Because results under different test conditions are hard to compare, share the evaluation method with trading partners in advance. It is also reassuring to conduct product tests after sewing during mass production.
