Durable Clothing and Durability Types
Physical and Emotional Durability Attributes
This article complements the info on page 27 of our book Strong Seams, where we define the meaning of durability in the apparel industry and discuss the types of durability.
Here, we dive deeper into the physical and emotional attributes of durability related to clothing:
1. Physical Durability Attributes:
1.1. Fabric and materials:
a) Fibre strength: Ability to withstand wear, tear, and abrasion.
– Examples:
> Cordura nylon for backpacks, known for its exceptional durability
> Leather for jackets and shoes, known for its durability and ability to develop a patina over time
b) Colorfastness: Resistance to fading from sunlight, washing, and chemicals.
– Examples:
> Denim jeans with indigo dye, which is known for its colourfastness
> Sun-protective clothing with a UPF rating of 50+
c) Shrinkage control: Resistance to shrinking or stretching beyond acceptable limits.
– Examples:
> Cotton fabrics treated with pre-shrinking processes
> Wool fabrics that are labelled “superwash” or “machine washable”
d) Pilling resistance: Ability to resist the formation of small balls of fibre on the surface.
– Examples:
> Synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon tend to pill less than natural fabrics like wool
> Fabrics with a tight weave that are less likely to pill
e) Wrinkle resistance: Ability to maintain a smooth appearance without creasing.
– Examples:
> Fabrics with high wrinkle resistance, like poplin or synthetic blends
> Linen garments with a natural wrinkle-resistant look
f) Hardware durability: Strength and rust resistance of buttons, zippers, and other closures.
– Examples:
> YKK zippers, known for their quality and durability
> Metal buttons and buckles made from brass or stainless steel
1.2. Assembly:
a) Seam strength: Strength of the stitching and construction, preventing tearing.
– Examples:
> Using a higher stitch count per cm or inch for seams that undergo more stress (e.g., the centre seam of jeans)
> Using stronger thread for seams that undergo more stress
b) Double stitching: Reinforces seams for added strength.
– Examples:
> Double stitching on the inseam of jeans
> Double stitching on pockets and collars of shirts
c) Bar-tack: Reinforces high-stress areas like pockets and buttonholes.
– Examples:
> Bartacking at the corners of pockets to prevent them from ripping
> Bartacking around buttonholes to prevent them from fraying
d) Bound seams: Prevents fraying and adds structure.
– Examples:
> Bound seams on collars and cuffs of shirts
> Bound seams on armholes and waistbands of garments
e) Interlining: Adds strength, shape, and warmth.
– Examples:
> Interlining used in tailored jackets to maintain their shape
> Interlining used in winter coats for added warmth
f) Lining: Protects the exterior fabric and adds comfort.
– Examples:
> A lining in a winter coat for added warmth
> A lining in a dress to prevent it from clinging to the body
2. Emotional Durability Attributes:
a) Timeless design: Remains relevant and stylish over time.
– Examples:
> A classic trench coat that can be worn for years
> A simple white T-shirt that can be paired with many different outfits
b) Versatility: Adapts to different occasions and styles.
– Examples:
> A little black dress that can be dressed up or down
> A convertible jacket that can be worn as a bomber jacket or a vest
c) Quality craftsmanship: Provides a sense of value and appreciation.
– Examples:
> A well-made garment with clean stitching and attention to detail
> A garment made from high-quality natural fibres
d) Comfort: Makes the wearer feel good and confident.
– Examples:
> Fabrics that are soft, breathable, and move well with the body
> A garment that is well-fitting and flattering
e) Personal connection: Evokes positive memories and emotional attachment.
– Examples:
> A favourite T-shirt that holds sentimental value
> A piece of clothing that was passed down from a family member
f) Ethical production: Supports fair labour practices and sustainability, aligning with personal values.
– Examples:
> A garment made from organic cotton or recycled materials
> A garment that is certified fair trade
g) Uniqueness: Stands out from fast fashion’s mass-produced and disposable nature.
– Examples:
> A hand-crafted garment with unique details
> A vintage piece with a rich history
h) Storytelling: Connects to a brand’s values and heritage.
– Examples:
> A garment from a brand with a long history of quality craftsmanship
> A piece of clothing that is part of a capsule collection with a specific story
Additional Notes:
- The importance of each attribute will vary depending on the specific garment, target audience, and brand values.
- As professionals in the apparel industry, your understanding and application of physical and emotional durability attributes are crucial. They contribute to creating products that are cherished and used for many years, fostering customer loyalty and reducing waste.
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
- Eberle, H. (2008). Clothing Technology: From Fibre to Fashion (5th ed.). Verlag Europa-LehrmittelNourn. ISBN 978-3808562256.
- Jeffrey, M., & Evans, N. (2011). Costing for the Fashion Industry. Berg Publishers. ISBN 978-1847882593.
- Wood, D. (2001). The Practical Encyclopedia of Sewing. Lorenz Books. ISBN 978-0754802779.
- Kabir, S., Sultana, & Ali. (2016). Impact of Stitch Type and Stitch Density on Seam Properties. Journal of Science and Research. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/5e30/1434ea134b064b5fc481b3104f82b83ff38e.pdf
- TEDx Talks. (2018). Crecimiento, pero no todo vale | Ana Plaza | TEDxUDeustoMadrid. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5jxgzqgO3o
- Fashion Revolution. (2018). How to be a Fashion Revolutionary. Cost breakdown of a sample €29 t-shirt. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/fashionrevolution/docs/website_htbafr_booklet_bcxfr_print_