Abstract: To explore an important aspect of textiles, fabric texture, this paper reviews the factors influencing it and the methods used to evaluate fabric surfaces. Firstly, the paper clarifies the way and limits of the human body’s tactile perception of the fabric surface by discussing the interaction between the human body and the fabric. The analysis includes factors and correlations that detail the impact on fabric texture, such as fibers, yarns, weave, and finishing processes. Based on two types of fabric evaluation methods – subjective evaluation and objective evaluation – the paper explains the devel-opment progress and challenges faced by the methods used to assess the texture of the fabric. Finally, it is highlighted that quantifying data on fabric surface texture and simulating textile tactile properties online are important directions for future research on fabric surface properties.

Key words: tactile perception; surface texture; roughness; friction vibration; fabric texture evaluation