Performance analysis of sustainable fabrics inspired by Ottoman caftan motifs

In this study, sustainable fabrics were developed by taking inspiration from tulips, pomegranate and carnation motifs in the caftan patterns used in the 16th – 17th century Ottoman Empire. In fabric production, sustainable raw materials such as PET and rPET were used for warp yarns. In contrast, polyviscose, Tencel, RO (recycled olefin), organic cotton, and bamboo were used for weft yarns. Yarn counts, yarn strength, elongation and twist properties were analysed. After fabric production, seam opening test, breaking strength, breaking elongation, abrasion, light fastness, abrasion resistance and air permeability tests were performed. The structural characterisation, comfort and durability properties of the fabrics were evaluated. The breaking strength, breaking elongation, and seam opening strength results of the RO-containing K2 are better than those of the natural raw material-containing K1, K3, K4, and K5 fabrics. In tests on fabrics containing natural fibres, it was observed that the K5-coded organic cotton fabric was advantageous in terms of breaking strength, breaking elongation, abrasion resistance, and air permeability. The study revealed that K5 organic cotton fabrics exhibited superior tensile strength, elongation, abrasion resistance, and air permeability, whereas K2 fabrics containing RO showed better seam strength but lower abrasion resistance. All fabrics were transformed into clothing, and modern caftan designs were made. It was concluded that many products could be developed from the patterns of caftan fabrics by considering their usage performance with sustainable materials, and that their applicability in modern textile design and production in different areas would become widespread.