Textile testing checks that a fabric actually performs the way it’s supposed to before it’s cut, sewn or shipped in bulk. The three most commonly requested tests are GSM (weight), colourfastness (does the dye run or fade), and shrinkage (does it change size after washing).
What Each Test Actually Checks
- GSM: a fabric sample is weighed on a precision scale and converted to grams per square metre to check it matches the ordered weight.
- Colourfastness: a swatch is washed, rubbed or exposed to light, then checked for how much colour transfers or fades — important for dark or printed fabrics especially.
- Shrinkage: a sample is washed and dried under controlled conditions, then measured again to see how much it has changed size — important for made-up garments that need to fit after the first wash.
Need these tests done on your own fabric?