Fabrics and Durability
Criteria for Selecting Long-lasting Materials
Durable fabrics have specific characteristics, such as high tensile strength and pilling resistance, that boost longevity by withstanding wear and tear. Considering those characteristics helps select fabrics that meet the specific durability requirements and expectations, from everyday clothing to industrial use.
The most important factors to consider are:
1. Strength:
Durable fabrics have high tensile strength. They can resist pulling or stretching forces without breaking, preventing fabric damage during regular use.
– Example: Denim, known for its high tensile strength, is ideal for pants that endure frequent stretching and movement.
2. Abrasion Resistance:
Fabrics with good abrasion resistance can withstand friction and rubbing without showing signs of wear. This characteristic is crucial in garments demanding frequent contact with surfaces, such as workwear or outdoor apparel.
– Example: Work overalls, often worn in rugged environments.
3. Tear Resistance:
Durable fabrics resist tearing. They maintain their structural integrity even under stress. Fabrics with high tear resistance are essential for products exposed to sharp objects or rough handling.
– Example: Gardening clothing, subjected to various physical activities and potential exposure to sharp objects.
4. Pilling Resistance:
Pilling occurs when fibres on the fabric surface form small balls or clusters. Durable fabrics resist pilling, ensuring a smoother and longer-lasting appearance.
– Example: Sweaters.
5. Colourfastness:
Durable fabrics offer good colourfastness. They retain their colour despite exposure to sunlight, washing, and other environmental factors. This characteristic helps maintain the garment’s appearance over time.
– Example: School uniforms are subject to frequent washing and exposure to sunlight.
6. Shrinkage Control:
Fabrics that resist shrinking or have minimal shrinkage after washing contribute to the durability of garments. Pre-shrinking processes are often employed to minimize potential shrinkage.
– Example: Fitted clothing.
7. Wrinkle Resistance:
Durable fabrics often have wrinkle-resistant properties, which reduce the formation of wrinkles and creases during wear and help maintain a neat appearance even after prolonged wear.
– Example: Business suits made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics maintain a polished appearance and professional look.
8. Stain Resistance:
Fabrics treated with stain-resistant finishes or inherently resistant to staining are easier to clean and maintain, enhancing their durability.
– Example: Chef’s aprons are exposed to various stains and spills.
9. Chemical Resistance:
Some durable fabrics are resistant to chemical damage, making them suitable for applications where the garment requires exposure to substances like oils, solvents, or cleaning agents.
– Example: Laboratory coats exposed to potential chemical spills require fabric resistance to chemical damage for safety reasons.
10. UV Resistance:
Fabrics that resist damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation maintain their colour and structural integrity when exposed to sunlight for extended periods. UV-resistant fabrics are vital in outdoor applications.
– Example: Upholstery for outdoor products.
11. Moisture Management:
Fabrics with effective moisture-wicking or moisture-resistant properties are crucial for garments exposed to sweat, rain, or other forms of moisture. This attribute helps prevent the growth of mould and mildew and ensures comfort.
– Example: Sportswear and some workwear.
12. Breathability:
Durable fabrics with breathable properties allow air circulation, boosting comfort and reducing the risk of moisture build-up within the garment.
– Example: underwear and activewear.
14. Easy Care:
Durable fabrics are often designed for easy care, allowing for simple laundering without compromising the structural integrity.
– Example: Ready-to-wear clothing made from fabrics designed for easy care simplifies regular washing.
14. Easy Care:
Durable fabrics are often designed for easy care, allowing for simple laundering without compromising the structural integrity.
– Example: Ready-to-wear clothing made from fabrics designed for easy care simplifies regular washing.
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
- Brown, P., & Rice, J. (2001). Ready to wear apparel analysis. Prentice Hall. ISBN 0130254347.
- Bubonia, J. E. (2014). Apparel Quality: A Guide to Evaluating Sewn Products. Fairchild. ISBN 978-1609015123.
- Cline, E. L. (2019). The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good. ISBN 978-1524744304.
- Delgado Luque, M. L., &Gardetti, M. Á. (2019). Manual de Moda Sostenible. Arcopress Ediciones. ISBN 978-8417057791.
- Fletcher, K. (2020). Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys(2nd ed.). Taylor & Francis Ltd. ISBN 978-0415644561.
- Linda B. Stamper, A. A., & Sharp, S. H. D. (1991). Evaluating Apparel Quality. Fairchild Fashion Group. ISBN 978-0870055126.
- Cooper, T., Hill, H., Kininmonth, J., Townsend, K., & Hughes, M. (2016). Wrap. Design for longevity: Guidance on increasing the active life of clothing. Retrieved from https://wrap.org.uk/resources/report/design-extending-clothing-life#download-file
- Textile Academy. (2018). What is fabric sewability? Retrieved from https://www.onlinetextileacademy.com/what-is-fabric-sewability-sewability-of-fabrics/