The 3 Most Common Tests to Check Trimmings
[ Garment Durability ]
1. Pull Test
The pull test is an essential quality assurance method used to assess the durability and safety of different garment accessories. This test evaluates the strength of connections between components, such as snaps, Velcro, buttons, zippers, and straps.
How it Works:
By subjecting these accessories to specific forces for a predetermined duration, manufacturers can determine their resistance to breakage or detachment. That is particularly important for children’s clothing, where safety regulations mandate stringent standards to prevent choking hazards.
The pull test can be conducted manually or using specialized testing equipment. Handheld pull gauges and tabletop pull test machines offer more precise measurements and standardized results.
2. Fatigue Test
Fatigue testing is a critical quality control measure, especially for accessories like zippers, buttons, and Velcro. This process simulates real-world wear and tear to assess the durability and functionality of these components.
How it Works:
Accessories are subjected to a predetermined number of cycles, replicating typical use. For example, a zipper might be zipped and unzipped 50 times, while Velcro is repeatedly attached and detached. The item is then inspected for any signs of damage, such as fraying, cracking, or loss of function.
3. Stretch Test
The stretch test is a crucial quality control measure for items made of elasticated materials or accessories, like some waistbands or straps. This test assesses these components’ elasticity, elongation, and recovery properties.
How it works:
This test involves stretching the material or accessory to a specific extent within a defined period, usually by hand or using a tensile testing machine.
Key areas of inspection include:
- Fiber breakage: Ensures the material’s integrity and prevents premature tearing or splitting.
- Stitch strength: Verifies the security of seams and prevents unravelling or loosening.
This information is a part of the research conducted for our third book, Strong Seams, a seam catalogue focused on garment durability and quality.
We couldn’t include all the research in the book. However, we believe it’s worth sharing with people like you who are also interested in quality and long-lasting garments.
We hope the material is helpful. If you want to know more about our book Strong Seams, please visit the following link: book Strong Seams (link)
Consulted and Related Sources
- ASTM International. (2004). ASTM D Test Method 1776: Standard practice for conditioning and testing textiles. Philadelphia, PA: ASTM International.
- ASTM International. (2021). ASTM-D5034: Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test).
- Bubonia, J. E. (2014). Apparel Quality: A Guide to Evaluating Sewn Products. Fairchild. ISBN 978-1609015123.
- Carr, H., & Latham. (2008). Technology of Clothing Manufacture (4th ed.). Blackwell Science. ISBN 978-1405161985.
- Henninger, C. E., Niinimäki, K., Blazquez, M., & Jones, C. (2022). Sustainable Fashion Management. Routledge. ISBN 978-0367564551.
- Keiser, S., Vandermar, D., & Garner, M. B. (2017). Beyond Design: The Synergy of Apparel Product Development (4th ed.). Fairchild Books. ISBN 978-1501315410.
- The Textile Institute. (2015). Garment Manufacturing Technology. Woodhead Publishing. ISBN 978-1782422327.
- Nimonik. (n.d.). Document Center. List of Standards on Textile Fabrics Including Nonwovens, Felts, Lace, Etc. Retrieved from https://www.document-center.com/standards/ics/59.080.30
- QIMA. (n.d.). Secrets of the Big Brand Garments Quality Inspection Procedure. Retrieved from https://www.qima.com/quality-control-services/garments-quality-inspection-procedure
- Ruby Moon. (n.d.). Durability in Fashion: Why Longevity Should Take Priority. Retrieved from https://rubymoon.org.uk/blog/2020/07/13/durability-in-fashion-why-longevity-should-take-priority/