You certainly know how important the quality of the material is for the durability of the wearer and the final appearance of the outfit. To easily recognize the quality of the workmanship, you should consider basic factors such as the composition of the material, its place of production, and certifications, which we discussed 👉🏻 in the article on how to tell if clothes are high quality , as well as their weave, thickness, additives, and finishes, which you can read more about below. You'll also learn what tests are used to check the durability of materials.
Why is it sometimes not worth being afraid of synthetic fibers?
At Ansin, we strive to ensure our clothing has the highest possible percentage of natural fibers. However, as you may have noticed, our tracksuits and some of our bodysuits , tops , and T-shirts contain small amounts of elastane and polyester. This is done to enhance the properties of the natural raw materials, increasing their durability and stretchability, and minimizing their tendency to wrinkle . For this combination to be effective, the right proportions must be maintained— no more than 20% synthetic fibers in the composition , so as not to disrupt the natural properties of the material, which is our priority.
How to assess the quality of a material based on its weave and thickness?
A fabric or knit with a loose weave will certainly deteriorate much more quickly than one with tightly packed threads. Hence, the thicker the material, the more durable it is . For knitwear, it's worth choosing those starting at around 200 g/m²—meaning a fabric weighing 200 g per square meter . You can often find this information in the product description (on the Ansin website, you'll find it in the PRODUCT COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES section) , and sometimes even on the label. However, for fabrics, especially shirts, it's worth paying attention to the Two Ply designation—a weave consisting of two thinner threads twisted together, rather than a single one, which adds quality, softness, elasticity, and wrinkle resistance to the fabric . You can also find this material under the names: two-fold cotton, doppio ritort and the designation 3-ply and 4-ply , which means cotton twisted three times and four times, which is used for slightly thicker materials.
Finishes – what are they and how do they affect fabric quality?
Finishing is a layer of chemicals applied to fabric to improve its appearance, durability, and functionality . Finishing makes fabrics softer and easier to care for, significantly increasing their utility and quality. However, aesthetics aren't the only key considerations in the finishing process—these chemicals can also affect properties such as stain resistance, water resistance, and UV protection. Therefore, if you're looking for any of these benefits, look for this information in the product description .
How to assess fabric quality using tests? Example of the Martindale test.
One of the most popular ways to measure fabric durability is the Martindale test . This involves rubbing a fabric sample in a way that simulates everyday wear and tear to determine how long the material will retain its structure and appearance (for example, without pilling—that is, without pills appearing on the fabric's surface). During the test, the fabric sample is rubbed using a special device— a Martindale machine . The fabric is rubbed in a circular motion under pressure. This process continues until the material is worn through or until pilling begins.
Martindale test scale
The Martindale test scale measures fabric durability by the number of abrasion cycles the material can withstand before failure. The higher the number of cycles, the more abrasion-resistant the fabric.
Number of cycles that individual materials can withstand:
- 10,000-15,000: for light use
- 15,000-25,000: for everyday use
- 25,000-30,000: for heavy use
- more than 30,000: for use in special, demanding conditions
How to recognize high-quality fabrics?
Despite special markings, values, and tests, one of the most important factors in determining a fabric's quality is its drape and pleasant "handle," meaning its skin-friendly texture, which contributes to comfort. Above all, high-quality materials don't last long, but beautifully flatter the figure . Therefore, when searching for high-quality fabric, it's worth prioritizing this criterion, as your comfort and well-being in the clothes are paramount!
The factors mentioned They may seem complicated. However, by thoroughly examining various products, you will undoubtedly gain the skill that will allow you, like an expert, to distinguish quality materials and the clothes made from them. It's a more demanding process, but definitely worth the effort, as quality always prevails, and an outfit composed of such clothes will always look good, without the need for unnecessary embellishments.
💡 Remember! Assessing the quality of the fabrics and knitwear you wear is an investment in yourself and the environment!
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