Laboratory 2026

Fabric resistance test: laboratory results

Abrasion, tensile strength, pilling, colour fastness: 7 fabrics tested according to ISO and ASTM standards. Comparative data to choose a fabric that lasts.

fabrics tested in laboratory

tests conducted (6 protocols x 7 fabrics)

ISO/ASTM standards applied

Published on April 15, 2026

See the results

Fabric resistance comparison table

Compare 7 fabrics across 6 durability indicators. Click on a fabric for test details. Data based on ISO 12947, ISO 12945, ISO 105 and ISO 13934 standards.

Each fabric is laboratory-tested against six standardised criteria: abrasion resistance (Martindale test, ISO 12947-2), tensile strength (ISO 13934-1), pilling tendency (ISO 12945-2), colour fastness to washing (ISO 105-C06), tear resistance (ISO 13937-2), and shrinkage after laundering (ISO 6330). Grades range from A (excellent) to D (fragile) and summarise overall performance for everyday garment use. Click on each card to discover recommended uses and care instructions.

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Data based on ISO 12947-2 (Martindale), ISO 12945-2 (pilling), ISO 105-C06 (colour fastness), ISO 13934-1 (tensile) and ISO 13937-2 (tear). See the Quality Barometer.

Methodology and test protocols

All tests follow standardised protocols conducted in independent laboratories. Below are the standards applied, data sources and bibliographic references.

Test protocols

Martindale test (ISO 12947-2)

Sample rubbed in a Lissajous figure under 12 kPa pressure. Number of cycles before visible degradation determines abrasion resistance.

Pilling test (ISO 12945-2)

Modified Martindale method: sample rubbed against itself for 2,000 cycles. Visual assessment on a scale from 1 (severe pilling) to 5 (no pilling).

Colour fastness (ISO 105-C06)

Wash at 40C with standard detergent and steel balls. Bleeding and shade change assessed on grey scale (1 to 5).

Tensile strength (ISO 13934-1)

Strip method: 50 mm sample stretched to break. Maximum force in Newtons measured in warp and weft directions.

Tear strength (ISO 13937-2)

Elmendorf method: force required to propagate an initiated tear in a standard specimen. Result in Newtons.

Wash shrinkage (ISO 6330 / ISO 5077)

Sample measured before and after 3 wash/dry cycles following manufacturer guidelines. Shrinkage expressed as percentage.

Data sources

ISO (International Organization for Standardization): textile standards series 12000 and 13000
ASTM International: standards D4966, D3512, D3786 for complementary tests
Textile Research Journal: peer-reviewed publications on fibre durability
Misciano internal analyses: tests conducted on materials in our supply chain

Bibliographic references

Saville, B.P. (1999). Physical Testing of Textiles. Woodhead Publishing.
Hu, J. (2008). Fabric Testing. Woodhead Publishing Series in Textiles.
ISO Technical Committee 38 (2020). Textiles: determination of abrasion resistance. ISO 12947-2:2016.
Textile Exchange (2023). Preferred Fiber & Materials Market Report.
Fan, J. & Hunter, L. (2009). Engineering Apparel Fabrics and Garments. Woodhead Publishing.

Related resources

Textile quality barometer 2026 Materials index 2026 True cost of a garment World atlas of textile workshops Cashmere authentication guide

Cite this study

You may freely cite the data from this page in your academic work, articles or reports. Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0 licence.

fabrics tested

tests conducted

ISO/ASTM protocols

5/5

max fastness grade

Misciano. (2026). Fabric resistance test: laboratory results.

Misciano. "Fabric resistance test: laboratory results." Misciano, 15 Apr. 2026,

Misciano. "Fabric resistance test: laboratory results." Last modified April 15, 2026.

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