What are the textile fabric testing standards, and which platform sectors do they apply to?
Textiles are among the most intimate materials in contact with our bodies—after all, clothing is crafted entirely from textile fabrics. Each type of textile fabric boasts unique properties, and understanding these characteristics can help us make smarter choices when selecting fabrics. Moreover, the applications of different textiles vary widely, often leading to vastly contrasting results in garment design. Fortunately, we have a comprehensive set of testing methods tailored to evaluate the performance of each textile material. So, without further ado, let’s dive into an introduction of textile testing standards—and explore which platforms and industries they’re best suited for!
Listing verification services: Checking eligibility for online e-commerce platforms (such as Tmall, JD.com, Vipshop, Pinduoduo, Douyin, Poizon, Youzan, etc.) or offline department stores and supermarkets.
Adult clothing: shirts; men's and women's suits and coats; woven and knitted dresses and skirts; denim wear; trench coats; single-layer and padded garments; outdoor jackets; loungewear and sleepwear; casual knitwear; knitted T-shirts; standard knit sweaters; sportswear; other adult clothing items; down apparel;
Baby & Children's Products: Infant and toddler clothing, children's apparel, infant and toddler bedding
Tendering and Bidding Inspection: Knitted School Uniforms – GB/T 31888; Woven School Uniforms – GB/T 31888; Curtains – FZ/T 62011.1
Retail Sector Spot Checks and Testing: Knitted Infant and Toddler Clothing FZ/T 73025; Knitted Children's Clothing FZ/T 73045; Woven Infant and Toddler Clothing GB/T 33271; Woven Children's Clothing GB/T 31900; Single-Layer and Lined Garments FZ/T 81007; Woven Shirts (for Adults) GB/T 2660
Textile testing primarily includes:
Ingredient Testing: Fiber Identification; Fiber Content; Material Characterization
Colorfastness tests: Water-resistant; Sweat-resistant; Rub-resistant; Saliva-resistant; Soap-wash resistant; Dry-cleaning resistant; Light-resistant; Seam bleeding resistance; Combined light and sweat resistance; Dry-heat resistant; Heat-pressing resistant; Seawater-resistant; Actual washing resistance; Chlorinated water resistance; Phenol yellowing resistance
Dimensional Stability Performance: Wash Shrinkage (GB, ISO); Wash Shrinkage (AATCC); Dry Cleaning Shrinkage; Steam Shrinkage; Dry Heat Shrinkage; Twist and Distortion After Washing; Appearance After Washing
Strength Tests: Breaking Strength; Tear Strength; Puncture Resistance; Burst Strength; Seam Strength; Seam Slippage; Peeling Strength; Back Crotch Seam Strength in Pants; Elastic Recovery
Physical tests: Pilling (Chinese Standard); Pilling (International Standard); Abrasion Resistance; Moisture Regain; Snagging Performance; Yarn Count; Fabric Density; Fabric Weight; Twist Level; Fabric Width; Weft Distortion
Chemical tests: pH; formaldehyde; decomposable aromatic amine dyes; odor; heavy metals; phthalates (6P); chlorophenols; alkylphenol polyethoxylates; alkylphenols
Down Testing: Down Species Identification; Down Analysis; Anti-Pilling Performance; Fill Power; Down Content, Fluff Content, and Deviation; Loft; Oxygen Consumption; Cleanliness; Moisture Content; Residual Oil Content; Odor
Functional tests: Water absorption; oil repellency; stain resistance; hydrostatic pressure; core-suction height; water absorption rate; droplet spreading time; moisture evaporation rate; vapor permeability; air permeability; static voltage half-life; electrostatic performance—surface charge density; electrostatic performance—resistivity; UV protection; light-blocking efficiency; heat retention; rain exposure; instant cooling sensation upon contact; towel shedding rate; antibacterial properties (against individual bacterial strains); point-to-point resistance
Combustion Performance Testing: Flame Retardancy / Vertical Method; Flammability; Oxygen Index
Commonly used textile standards are as follows:
GB18401-2003 National Basic Safety Technical Specification for Textile Products
FZ China National Textile Industry Association
ISO (International Organization for Standardization standards)
IWS International Wool Secretariat
IDFB International Down and Feather Bureau
AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists Standards)
EN (European Standard)
JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard)
BS (British Standards Institution Standard)
DIN (German Institute for Standardization Standards)
CAN (Canadian National Standard)
AS (Australian Standards)
US CPSC – U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials Standard)
KS (Korean Standards) and various other national/regional/organizational standards
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