Misciano Data 2026
Ranking of Physical Properties of Textile Materials
Breathability, thermal regulation, wrinkle resistance, UV protection: 12 materials compared across 6 measurable properties following ISO and ASTM standards.
12
textile materials compared
6
physical properties measured
4
ISO/ASTM reference standards
Methodology and scientific references
Test protocols
- ISO 9237 — Air permeability (breathability measurement)
- ISO 2313 — Recovery angle (wrinkle resistance)
- ISO 12947 — Abrasion resistance (Martindale method)
- AS/NZS 4399 — UV protection (UPF factor)
- Standard conditions — 20°C ± 2°C, 65% ± 4% RH
Scoring methodology
- Scores out of /10 for breathability, thermal regulation, wrinkle resistance
- Direct UPF value for UV protection
- Moisture regain percentage at 65% RH
- Martindale cycles for abrasion resistance
- Each score aggregates multiple standardised measurements
Limits and nuances
- Fabric weight significantly modifies performance (lightweight linen vs heavy linen)
- Finishes (anti-wrinkle, water-repellent) alter the scores
- Fibre blends are not covered in this ranking
- Laboratory measurement conditions differ from real-wear experience
Sources and references
- ISO 9237:1995 — Determination of air permeability of fabrics
- ISO 2313:1972 — Determination of crease recovery
- ISO 12947-2:2016 — Determination of abrasion resistance (Martindale method)
- AS/NZS 4399:2017 — Ultraviolet protection factor
- ASTM D1518 — Thermal resistance of textiles
- Additional references — The Textile Institute, Manchester; AFNOR
For Journalists and Bloggers
Cite this study in your articles. Data is free to use with attribution.
Key Figures
12
materials compared
6
physical properties measured
4
ISO/ASTM reference standards
72
data points in the chart
Citation Formats
Misciano Paris. (2026, June). Textile Materials Physical Properties Ranking. Misciano. https://misciano.com/en/pages/textile-materials-physical-properties-ranking
Frequently asked questions
Which fabric is the most breathable for summer wear?
Linen scores highest (9/10) thanks to its open fibre structure that promotes air circulation. Poplin cotton follows at 8.5/10 with excellent summer comfort. Silk offers 7.5/10 with a cooler feel against the skin. Avoid polyester (4/10) which traps heat and limits perspiration evaporation.
Does cashmere really keep you warmer than wool?
Yes, cashmere reaches 9.5/10 in thermal regulation compared to 9/10 for merino. Its finer fibres (14-16 microns vs 18-24 for merino wool) trap more air, creating superior insulation at equal weight. However, virgin wool (8.5/10) remains excellent and significantly more resistant to abrasion (15,000 Martindale cycles versus 5,000 for cashmere).
Why does linen wrinkle so much despite its qualities?
Linen scores only 2.5/10 in wrinkle resistance, with a recovery angle of 45 degrees versus 130 degrees for polyester (ISO 2313 standard). Its rigid cellulose fibres lack natural elasticity and retain the memory of every fold. This is the trade-off for its exceptional breathability (9/10) and remarkable durability (25,000 Martindale cycles).
Does polyester protect against UV rays?
Yes, polyester offers high UV protection with a UPF of 30 to 50+ according to the AS/NZS 4399 standard. Its molecular structure naturally absorbs ultraviolet rays. Merino wool (UPF 30-40) is also very effective. In contrast, silk and lightweight cotton offer little protection (UPF 5-10 only), insufficient for prolonged sun exposure.
Which fabric is the most abrasion-resistant?
Nylon dominates with 60,000 Martindale cycles (ISO 12947 standard), followed by polyester at 40,000 cycles. Linen reaches 25,000 cycles and cotton 20,000. Cashmere is the most fragile at only 5,000 cycles, which explains the frequent pilling and the need for delicate care with this noble fibre.
Is silk fragile or strong?
Silk is paradoxical: highly resistant to tension (tenacity of 0.4 GPa, comparable to steel by weight) but sensitive to abrasion (8,000 Martindale cycles). Its wrinkle score is average (4.5/10). It excels in moisture absorption (11% of its weight) and thermal comfort (7/10), making it ideal for delicate pieces worn close to the body.
Tencel vs viscose: what are the performance differences?
Tencel outperforms viscose on nearly every criterion: breathability (8 vs 7/10), thermal regulation (7.5 vs 5/10), wrinkle resistance (5.5 vs 3/10), and abrasion (10,000 vs 4,000 Martindale cycles). Its closed-loop manufacturing recycles 99% of solvents, and its nanofibrillated fibres offer a softer touch and better moisture management.
How does fabric weight affect physical properties?
A heavier fabric (higher GSM) increases UV protection and abrasion resistance but reduces breathability. For example, a 150 g/m2 cotton will have a UPF of 5-8, while a 250 g/m2 cotton will reach UPF 15-20. Our comparative data uses standard average weights for each fabric to allow a fair comparison between fibres.