Fabric can look perfect before production — but change completely after the first wash.
That’s why testing is essential. Whether you’re sampling a new tee or launching a full collection, knowing how your fabric behaves will save you time, money, and headaches.
At HEM APPAREL, we test key factors like shrinkage, twisting, and colorfastness before bulk cutting — and we recommend every brand do the same.
🧵 Why Testing Matters Before Production
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Fabrics from different mills (or even different batches) behave differently
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Knit fabrics are especially prone to shrinkage or twisting
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Dye type and finishing affect color stability
✅ Testing = catch issues early, avoid product returns later
📦 3 Most Important Fabric Tests to Run
1. Shrinkage Test
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What it checks: How much the fabric reduces in size after wash
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How to do: Mark a 50×50cm square, wash & dry as instructed, measure again
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Acceptable range:
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Cotton knits: ≤5–7%
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Wovens or blended fabrics: ≤3–5%
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➡️ Too much shrinkage? Pre-shrinking or adjusting pattern is needed
2. Twisting (Skewing) Test
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What it checks: Whether the fabric twists after washing
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Common in: Jersey knits, rib knits, or cheap dye jobs
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What to look for: Side seams of a T-shirt should remain straight
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Causes: Unbalanced yarn tension or improper finishing
➡️ Fix with compact finishing or better knitting control
3. Colorfastness Tests
| Type | What It Tests For |
|---|---|
| Wash fastness | Color stays after machine washing |
| Rub/crocking fastness | Color doesn't transfer when rubbed |
| Light fastness | Color doesn’t fade under sunlight |
| Perspiration fastness | Sweat doesn't affect color |
Scoring: Most tests use a 1–5 or 1–8 scale
→ Aim for 4 or higher for export quality
🧠 HEM APPAREL’s Tip:
You don’t need a full lab report for every style — but do run basic tests with bulk fabric before cutting.
We can help test your fabric in-house or with a certified lab, and adjust specs if needed (e.g. increase garment size to offset shrinkage).
HEM APPAREL – Your trusted manufacturing partner for high-quality custom apparel, made in Vietnam
