Fabric Testing 101: Shrinkage, Twisting, Colorfastness

Fabric Testing 101: Shrinkage, Twisting, Colorfastness

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

  • Fabrics from different mills (or even different batches) behave differently

  • Knit fabrics are especially prone to shrinkage or twisting

  • 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

  • What it checks: How much the fabric reduces in size after wash

  • How to do: Mark a 50×50cm square, wash & dry as instructed, measure again

  • Acceptable range:

    • Cotton knits: ≤5–7%

    • Wovens or blended fabrics: ≤3–5%

➡️ Too much shrinkage? Pre-shrinking or adjusting pattern is needed


2. Twisting (Skewing) Test

  • What it checks: Whether the fabric twists after washing

  • Common in: Jersey knits, rib knits, or cheap dye jobs

  • What to look for: Side seams of a T-shirt should remain straight

  • 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

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