In the textile industry, silicone softeners are widely used as key additives in the finishing stages of fabric production and finished clothing. Although both are intended to improve the softness and comfort of fabrics, there are certain differences in application methods, performance requirements and final effects.

1. Silicone softeners in fabric production
During the fabric production process, silicone softeners are usually added to the spinning, weaving or printing and dyeing process. The softeners at this stage are mainly required to be easy to disperse and evenly distributed between fibers to ensure the overall softness and uniformity of the fabric.

Application method: in the form of emulsion or microemulsion, which is convenient for uniform application during fabric production.
Performance requirements: It needs to have excellent washability and durability to ensure that the fabric can still maintain its softness after multiple washes.
Final effect: Give the fabric a soft and smooth feel, while enhancing the gloss, wear resistance and elasticity of the fabric.

2. Silicone softeners in finished clothing
In the finishing stage of finished clothing, silicone softeners are mainly used to improve the wearing comfort and appearance of clothing. The softeners at this stage focus more on the surface treatment of clothing to achieve specific softness, wrinkle resistance, anti-fouling and other effects.

Application method: usually applied to the surface of clothing by dipping, spraying or coating.
Performance requirements: The softener is required to have good permeability and adhesion to ensure that the softening effect can penetrate deep into the fiber and last for a long time.
Final effect: not only give the clothing a soft and smooth feel, but also improve the antistatic, anti-fouling and washability of the clothing. In addition, some special types of silicone softeners can also give clothing special functionality, such as waterproof and oil-proof.

In short, silicone softeners used in fabric production and finished clothing have different focuses on application methods, performance requirements and final effects. The correct selection and use of softeners are of great significance to improving the quality and market competitiveness of textiles.