Durability: 100,000 Martindale
The Martindale test is the gold standard for measuring fabric durability. It works by repeatedly rubbing the material against a wool textile under a set pressure. Conducted in cycles of 5,000 circular motions, the test continues until two threads show signs of wear.
Minimum requirements:
Private and low-traffic public areas: 10,000 – 15,000 rubs
High-traffic private and office spaces: 15,000 – 25,000 rubs
Public spaces and transportation: 25,000 – 45,000 rubs
Lightfastness: 6-7 (ISO 1-8)
Lightfastness measures how well a fabric holds its colour when exposed to light. In testing, samples are placed under artificial daylight for a set time. The results are rated on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 8 (highest), with each step up meaning the fabric takes twice as long to fade.
Pilling: 4 (ISO 1-5)
Pilling refers to the small fibre balls, or "pills," that can form on fabric with wear. It's graded on a scale from 5 (best) to 1 (worst), with higher ratings indicating a smoother, more durable surface.