## 3 Results
### Correlations among Instrumental Measurement  
Taking Kawabata measurements as a reference, results from other instrumental methods were compared and the correlation of relevant values was investigated. The correlation of the overall softness values from the panel, as well as the other physical methods with each Kawabata parameter, is shown in Figure 6.  
All \"softness\" values were found to correlate with Kawabata's shear stiffness and tensile resistance. The correlations with the other Kawabata parameters will be discussed in the following in light of the mechanical action taking place in each method.  
The Phabrometer is based on measuring the force required for pushing the fabric through an opening. The values are calculated from the analysis of the force/displacement diagram. Actions taking place thereby, such as squeezing and tearing of the fabric, would be expected to involve the shearing and stretching of the fabric, and hence the correlation with these parameters. One-dimensional bending, on the other hand, is not involved in the Phabrometer action.  
Kawabata's compression rate and the pure friction coefficient do not show a correlation with \"softness\" assessments. Moderate to good correlations were found with the surface characterization values (MIU variation (Rubbing coefficient)) and \"roughness\". As hand  
Figure 6: Pearson correlation of “softness” values from the hand-feel panel, Phabrometer, and TSA with Kawabata parameters (for knitted fabrics).  
action implies squeezing and caressing the fabric, relevant parameters, such as surface, shear, and bending stiffness, as well as surface smoothness expressed by MIU roughness.  
A relation between heat flow (Qmax) and softness perception can be derived from the relation between smoothness and subjective softness perception. Thermal effusivity (Qmax) is higher for smooth surfaces due to higher heat dissipation, but it is unlikely to be related to dynamic fabric properties. Further correlation factors between Phabrometer and Kawabata parameters are shown in Figure 6. Expected correlations are marked grey in the table. Though the calculated Phabrometer RHV (Relative Hand Value) shows a good correlation with all Kawabata mechanical and surface-related parameters, the analytical values (drape, smoothness, and softness) do not correlate with the Kawabata parameters where they are expected to. The Phabrometer \"drape\" correlated with Kawabata's elongation and resilience, not with bending stiffness. Interestingly, it also correlates with the Kawabata's thermal parameters.  
No correlation was observed between Kawabata friction values and Phabrometer calculated \"smoothness\". Here, the best correlation was found between Kawabata shearing and the overall softness of all observed methods. It would be expected that Kawabata Thermal values correlate with Phabrometer \"smoothness\", but the correlation was rather observed with the values related to \"softness\" and \"drape resilience\".  
In total, other than the calculated values \"softness\" and \"smoothness\", Phabrometer RHV can be considered a reliable ranking. A deeper interpretation of Phabrometer results requires a theoretical revision of the analysis of the displacement/force curve and exceeds the scope of this study.  
The HF values (hand feel values) from TSA show a high correlation with [PERSON]'s shearing, compression resilience, bending stiffness, and optical roughness (Table 4). Moderate correlation with MIU (rubbing coefficient). As for the measured acoustic values, TS7 should correlate with the softness (flexibility) of single fibers. Flexible fibers mean better bending and shearing and less friction. Correlation values widely fit with the expectations. TS750, although originally presented in the tissue sector as fabric \"smoothness\", correlates rather with the fabric dynamic values than with surface properties. Here, high correlations with [PERSON]'s bending and shearing, and compression were observed.