Quality fabric means quality comfort

Intimate Apparel Fabric Testing: Different Types of Tests

Intimate apparel plays an important role in our lives, so it is essential to ensure the fabric used is of high quality. Different types of tests can be used to determine the quality, performance, comfort, durability and safety of the fabrics used. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of tests that are used to evaluate the quality of intimate apparel fabric.

Intimate apparel fabrics undergo rigorous tests to determine their quality because they experience more wear and tear than any other type of clothing. Fabric testing can identify potential issues before they become problems, saving money in the long run. Below are some tests from the subject point of view:

Physical Testing

This type of testing evaluates the physical properties of a fabric. This includes things such as tensile strength, tear strength, stretch, shrinkage, wrinkle recovery, color fastness, and pilling resistance.

Mechanical Testing

This type of testing evaluates the mechanical properties such as friction, twisting, bending, and breaking strength, etc.

Chemical Testing

This type of testing evaluates the chemicals present in the fabric. This include things such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Flammability Testing

We conduct this type of testing to ensure that the fabric does not catch fire easily and does not spread fire quickly.

Microbiology Testing

This type of testing ensures the fabric is free from bacteria, fungus, and other pathogens.

Wear Testing

This type of testing evaluates how a fabric holds up to regular wear and tear over time.

Dimensional Testing

This type of testing measures the dimensions of a fabric before and after exposure to various conditions such as heat, humidity, and light.

The frequency of testing is another key factor to consider. Generally this depends on the type of fabrics used in manufacturing. For example, you need to test fabric like cotton every six months. You should test fabrics that are prone to staining more frequently. Finally, the type of test one conducts play a role in determining how often one should test fabrics.

Poorly tested fabrics can lead to irritation, allergic reactions, and other adverse health effects. Without testing, you may fall in a situation where the fabric has been exposed to excessive abrasion, shrinking, fading, or stretching, leading to a poor-quality garment. By conducting all these different types of tests in a regular interval, apparel manufacturers can ensure the fabrics they use meet regulatory standards, and provide safe and comfortable intimate apparel products for their customers.

You may find it difficult and annoying to ensure all the needed tests are properly performed by your chosen factory when the factory is located overseas. If you are buying the fabric directly from a mill, request the tests they have already performed for their fabrics. As most times they already have these results and will be able to provide them to you. If your manufacturing factory is sourcing the fabric directly, request them to ask the mill they are buying it from, for these test results. Particularly, if you are a start-up or a retailer wishing to bring your brand into market, you must know more about the intimate apparel industry from design to sourcing to manufacturing and all the way to receive shipment at your store. Visit the following posts to enrich your knowledge:

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