What finish is characteristic of waffle cloth?

• A. Mercerized finish
• B. Bleached
• C. Unbleached
• D. Dyed

Answer: (B)

Finishes modify how fabric looks and performs after weaving. Waffle cloth has a textured, honeycomb-like surface that increases absorbency by creating many tiny pockets. Bleaching is a common finish for this fabric because it lightens the fiber and removes natural color and surface impurities, yielding a bright, clean appearance that enhances absorbency and makes the texture stand out. Mercerized finishes would add luster and strength but aren’t defining for waffle cloth; unbleached or dyed finishes change the natural color or color the fabric rather than specifying its typical finish. So the finish most characteristic of waffle cloth is bleaching.