Lab 04
Textile Performance Testing Lab
Validating performance before full-scale production
Why test fabric performance?
It is a common misconception that fabric testing is only necessary for high-end technical textiles. In reality, the performance of any functional fabric — from outdoor apparel to upholstery to medical textiles — is just as dependent on its construction, finish, and coating as any engineered material. UPF rating, waterproofness, breathability, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance all have a dramatic effect on the fabric's fit-for-purpose performance and longevity. At Seekingtex, we operate a dedicated textile performance testing lab that allows us to quantify these properties — before committing resources to full-scale production.
Testing at our facility gives us the ability to iterate fabric constructions and finishes rapidly and cost-effectively. A week in the lab can generate the same performance data that would require months of production trial-and-error — and at a fraction of the cost.
Facility specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Lab area | 200 m² climate-controlled (21 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 2 % RH) |
| UPF testing | UV transmittance analyzer, ASTM D6544 / AATCC 183, UPF 15-50+ rating |
| Waterproofness | Hydrostatic head tester, ISO 811, range 0-5000 mbar |
| Breathability (MVTR) | Permeability cup system, ASTM E96 (desiccant & water methods), range 500-20000 g/m²/24h |
| Tensile & tear testing | Universal tester (50 kN), ASTM D5034 (grab test), ASTM D2261 (tongue tear), ASTM D3786 (burst) |
| Abrasion testing | Martindale abrasion tester, ASTM D4966 / ISO 12947, up to 100 000 cycles |
Our test programme
A standard fabric development programme in our lab follows this sequence:
- Sample conditioning — Fabric samples are conditioned in the climate-controlled lab for 24 h at standard atmospheric conditions before any test begins.
- UPF rating — Fabric is measured for UV transmittance across the 290-400 nm spectrum. UPF rating is calculated per AATCC 183, with UPF 50+ as the target for sun-protection fabrics.
- Waterproofness & breathability — Hydrostatic head testing measures water penetration resistance. MVTR testing measures moisture vapor transmission. The balance between waterproofness and breathability is optimized for each application.
- Tensile & tear strength — Grab tensile testing in warp and weft directions. Trapezoid tear testing to evaluate tear propagation resistance. Burst strength for knit and non-woven fabrics.
- Abrasion resistance (optional) — Martindale abrasion testing to simulate long-term wear. Samples are inspected at regular intervals for surface change, pilling, and breakthrough.
- Data analysis & recommendations — A full report is delivered with comparative charts, performance curves, and specific recommendations for the fabric construction or finish.
Typical Test Results — UPF Rating vs Fabric Construction
Fabric construction, fiber type, and UV-blocking additives all contribute to the final UPF rating. Our lab optimizes the combination for each application.
Expert team
Our lab is operated by a textile technologist with a degree in textile engineering and 8 years of performance-testing experience at a major international textile testing institute. She is supported by two technicians who prepare all samples and instrumentation. The team follows AATCC and ASTM standard procedures to ensure that every test is repeatable, traceable, and internationally defensible.
Testing for custom fabric development
Our lab is not only used for house-designed fabrics — we regularly run test programmes for clients who want to validate a custom fabric construction or investigate a performance issue:
- Fabric comparison — Two or more candidate fabric constructions tested under identical conditions, providing an objective performance comparison to inform your selection.
- Finish optimization — Different coating weights, application methods, or curing conditions can be tested to quantify their individual contribution to performance.
- End-use suitability study — Performance data is analyzed against end-use requirements, allowing you to select the optimum fabric construction for your target application.
Why test with us?
We do not just give you a set of raw numbers. Our reports translate test data into actionable engineering recommendations: "Increase the weave density by 15 % to achieve UPF 50+", "Apply an additional 5 g/m² of PU coating to meet the 1000 mbar waterproofness target", or "Switch to a textured yarn for improved moisture vapor transmission." You leave with a clear understanding of what to change and why.
Our lab is also available for independent third-party testing on a fee-for-service basis. If you are developing a fabric and want an unbiased, professionally executed performance assessment, we welcome your enquiry.
Book a fabric testing session
Whether you need a full development programme or a single comparative test, we can accommodate your schedule.
Contact our testing team