Why do some materials feel soft and others feel coarse?
The feel of a material is determined by its texture and its mechanical properties. Texture refers to the surface characteristics of the material, such as the size, shape, and distribution of its fibers or particles. Mechanical properties refer to the way the material responds to force or pressure, such as its elasticity, stiffness, or compressibility.

A soft material typically has a smooth and pliable texture, which means its surface feels relatively flat and easy to deform under slight pressure. This is often due to the arrangement of its fibers or particles, which allow the material to be easily bent, stretched, or compressed. For example, cotton or silk fabrics have a soft feel due to the small and flexible fibers that make up their weave.

In contrast, a coarse material typically has a rough and rigid texture, which means its surface feels uneven and hard to deform under pressure. This is often due to the size and shape of its fibers or particles, which can create bumps or ridges on the surface. For example, sandpaper or burlap fabric have a coarse feel due to the large and rigid particles that make up their surface.

The feel of a material can also be influenced by external factors such as temperature, humidity, or chemicals. For instance, water can make some materials feel softer or more slippery, while solvents can dissolve some materials and change their texture.
Is there a difference in cost to produce soft feeling vs hard feeling materials?