What is Textile Testing: Definition and Meaning

Last updated on December 26th, 2025 at 10:19 pm

Definition of Testing

Before putting something into widespread use, production or practice, the quality, performance, reliability, etc., are checked. It finds out how well something works. Testing can be defined as the process of determining the properties of different kinds of substances.

There are mainly two types of testing: one is routine process testing, and the other is quality record testing. The result of routine process testing can be got quickly in the working field. The result of quality record testing is to be recorded for different objects to finish the work.

Have you ever had a shirt shrink in the wash? Or seen a color fade too quickly? Textile testing helps prevent these problems.

Definition of Textile Testing

Textile testing is an important part of textile production, distribution, and consumption. We can also define textile testing as the process of determining the properties of different kinds of textile substances.

Simply put, we test textiles to measure their quality and performance. We check for strength, colorfastness, shrinkage, and more.

This process is crucial for everyone. Manufacturers rely on it to maintain quality control. Brands use it to ensure their products are durable and safe. For you, the consumer, it means the clothes you buy will last.

Objectives of Textile Testing

The objectives of Textile Testing are as follows:

• In the case of research, the results of testing will help the scientist to decide which route should be followed.
• It helps to select the proper raw materials. ‘Raw material’ is a relative term. For example, fibre is the raw material of a spinner, yarn is the raw material of a weaver, etc.
• Textile testing helps to control the different processes. Such as spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing, etc. End breakage is controlled by controlling weight per lap length, sliver length and roving length. The weaving process is controlled by controlling the excessive breakage of warp and weft yarn. The dyeing process is controlled by M : L, temperature and pressure.
• In the case of product control, it helps to ensure the fulfilment of the desired quality of the end product. Such as the end product of spinning is yarn.
• In the case of process development, it helps to improve the quality of the end product by avoiding unnecessary waste of time and money.
• In the case of product development, it helps in the continual search for new knowledge and to develop new products.

Factors Affecting Test Result

• Atmospheric conditions
• Test methods
• Testing instruments
• Technician’s efficiency, etc.

Different Types of Textile Testing

Fibre Tests

Fibre tests include identification of fibres, grading, fibre length, strength and elongation, fineness, maturity, etc.

To identify any fibre, there are many methods. Among them, AATCC TM020A and ISO 1833 are mostly used. Both of these methods are quantitative analysis of fibre.

 Yarn Tests

Yarns tests include yarn count, twist per unit length, strength, appearance, evenness and regularity, hairiness, etc.

• Yarn Count: The fineness or thickness.
• Twist: The number of twists per inch, which affects strength.
• Strength: How much force it can handle before breaking.
• Evenness: Consistency in thickness without thin or thick spots.
• Hairiness: The amount of loose fibers on the surface.
• Appearance: A visual check for overall quality.

Fabric Tests

Fabric tests include strength and elongation, width, thickness, number of ends and picks per unit length, the count of yarn used, fabric weight per unit length, design and construction of the cloth, air permeability, thermal properties, stiffness, handle, drape, crease resistance and recovery, abrasion, pilling, shrinkage, colorfastness, tensile strength, etc.

Garment Tests

Garment Tests include dimensional changes of garments after household laundering, appearance after household laundering, fabric weight, tension and elongation, tensile strength, tear strength, colorfastness to water, perspiration, dye-transfer, seawater, pool water, light, ozone, burnt gas and saliva, fibre content test, etc.

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