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The comprehensive handle evaluation system for fabrics and yarns (CHES-FY) was developed to measure multiple mechanical properties, which are related to fabric handle. In this paper, the potential of using the CHES-FY to evaluate the handle characteristics of woven fabrics was studied. Three prediction models corresponding to the stiffness, smoothness and tightness attributes of fabrics were determined to relate the subjective handle to suitable curve parameters extracted from the pulling-out force–displacement curve of the CHES-FY based on the stepwise regression method. Moreover, the independent validation of the prediction models and sensitivity analysis of the CHES-FY were also conducted. Results show that the CHES-FY together with the developed models provides good prediction for the handle characteristics of wool-rich woven suiting fabrics. It was also shown that the CHES-FY was capable of detecting changes of fabric handle of the woven fabrics with plasma treatments