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2026 Edition

Misciano Textile Quality Barometer

Annual ranking of textile materials based on 6 criteria. Score out of 100, according to our editorial estimate.

17 materials ranked
3 material categories
6 evaluation criteria
100 maximum score
View Ranking See Methodology

Official 2026 Ranking

Discover the complete ranking of textile materials. Each score is our editorial estimate, not a laboratory measurement.

# Material Global Score Durability Comfort Care Breathability Color Stability Thermal Comfort
1
Natural Silk Premium
86 78 95 60 92 85 90
2
Grade A Cashmere Premium
84 75 98 55 88 80 95
3
Merino Wool Premium
82 80 92 58 85 78 88
4
Full-Grain Leather Premium
80 95 85 45 70 75 82
5
European Linen Standard
76 82 78 65 95 70 72
6
Egyptian Cotton Premium
74 72 85 70 80 75 68
7
Pima Cotton Standard
72 68 82 72 78 72 65
8
Tencel/Lyocell Standard
70 65 88 75 90 68 70
9
Modal Standard
68 58 85 72 82 65 68
10
Viscose Standard
62 55 80 50 75 55 60
11
Standard Wool Standard
60 70 75 45 72 55 78
12
Standard Cotton Standard
58 60 72 68 75 60 55
13
Recycled Polyester Standard
55 72 45 88 35 70 42
14
Nylon Budget
52 68 42 85 38 65 40
15
Standard Polyester Budget
48 70 40 90 30 65 35
16
Acrylic Budget
42 45 55 82 28 40 52
17
Elastane/Spandex Budget
38 35 70 55 25 30 45
Premium: Score 75+
Standard: Score 50-74
Budget: Score <50

View our Materials Glossary to learn more about each textile.

Calculate cost-per-wear of your garments by material.

Care Guide to extend the life of your garments.

Methodology

Our barometer is an editorial estimate by the Misciano editorial team, based on public technical documentation (standards, material datasheets, literature), not on laboratory tests or customer data analysis.

Calculation Formula

The global score is calculated using a weighted formula taking into account 6 criteria:

Global Score = (Durability x 0.25) + (Comfort x 0.20) + (Care x 0.15) + (Breathability x 0.15) + (Color Stability x 0.15) + (Thermal Comfort x 0.10)

The 6 Criteria

🛡️ Weight: 25%

Real Durability

Wear resistance, expected number of wash cycles before degradation, traction and abrasion resistance.

✨ Weight: 20%

Comfort

Softness to touch, flexibility, absence of irritation, skin sensation.

🧺 Weight: 15%

Care Ease

Wrinkle resistance, machine washable, quick drying, minimal ironing.

💨 Weight: 15%

Breathability

Ability to wick moisture, thermal regulation, comfort in all seasons.

🎨 Weight: 15%

Color Stability

Resistance to washing, UV, perspiration. Reference: ISO 105 color fastness methods.

🌡️ Weight: 10%

Thermal Comfort

Thermal insulation, temperature regulation, seasonal adaptability.

Sources and Data

17

Materials Ranked

17 textile materials listed in the ranking table above.

3

Material Categories

Natural, synthetic and mixed materials, as shown in the filters of the ranking table.

ISO

International Standards

Reference standards only: ISO, ASTM and EN standards for textile testing, cited for context and not as a certification of our products.

2026

Edition Year

Ranking published as the 2026 edition, dated 25 February 2026.

View the Materials Index 2026 for an in-depth analysis.

See the Misleading Materials Barometer textile false friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the global score calculated?

The global score is a weighted average of 6 criteria: durability (25%), comfort (20%), care ease (15%), breathability (15%), color stability (15%) and thermal comfort (10%). Each criterion is scored out of 100.

Where does the data come from?

Our data is an editorial estimate by the Misciano editorial team, based on public technical documentation. We have not commissioned laboratory tests, surveys or panels.

Why is natural silk ranked first?

In our editorial estimate, natural silk has the best global score (86/100) thanks to its exceptional comfort (95), breathability (92) and thermal comfort (90). Its only weakness is delicate care (60).

Is polyester really of poor quality?

In our editorial estimate, standard polyester scores 48/100, mainly penalized by low breathability (30) and thermal discomfort (35). However, it excels in durability (70) and care ease (90). Recycled polyester is slightly superior (55/100).

What is the difference between Grade A and standard cashmere?

Grade A cashmere uses longer, finer fibers (14-15 microns), offering superior durability and less pilling. Our editorial estimate of 84/100 reflects this premium quality.

How to use this barometer for purchases?

Is the barometer updated?

What are the criteria to be Premium?

A material is classified Premium if its global score exceeds 75/100. In the ranking table, five of the 17 materials carry the Premium badge.

Is viscose a good alternative to silk?

In our editorial estimate, viscose (62/100) is often presented as an affordable alternative to silk (86/100). While it offers decent comfort (80), its durability (55) and color stability (55) remain inferior. Tencel/Lyocell (70/100) is a more sustainable alternative.

Can I cite this barometer in an article?

Absolutely. This barometer is designed as a resource for journalists and bloggers. Check our Citation section for APA, MLA and Chicago formats. Mention "Misciano Textile Quality Barometer 2026" with a link to this page.

For Journalists and Bloggers

Cite the Misciano Barometer in your articles. Data is free to use with attribution.

17
materials ranked
3
material categories
86
maximum score (silk)
6
criteria scored

Citation Formats

Misciano. (2026). Misciano Textile Quality Barometer 2026. Misciano. https://misciano.com/en/pages/barometre-qualite-textile-2026
Misciano. "Misciano Textile Quality Barometer 2026." Misciano, 2026, https://misciano.com/en/pages/barometre-qualite-textile-2026.
Misciano. "Misciano Textile Quality Barometer 2026." Accessed February 2026. https://misciano.com/en/pages/barometre-qualite-textile-2026.

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Misciano Textile Quality Barometer 2026

Press Contact

For journalists requesting additional data or an interview:

[email protected]

Materials Index 2026 - In-depth textile analysis.

Cost-per-Wear Calculator - Estimate the real value.

Ultimate Care Guide - Extend the lifespan.

Misleading Materials Barometer - Textile false friends.

Method and sources

The ratings, scores and rankings on this page are an editorial estimate by the Misciano editorial team. They are based on public technical documentation (standards, material data sheets, specialist literature). They do not come from laboratory tests carried out by or for Misciano.

Standardised test methods these criteria refer to (public standards, available on iso.org):