Martindale testing is used to evaluate a fabric’s resistance to two main types of wear and tear – abrasion and pilling.

Abrasion:

Imagine your favorite pair of jeans rubbing against a chair repeatedly. Over time, you might notice the fabric thinning or even developing holes in those high-friction areas. This gradual wearing away of a fabric’s surface due to rubbing against other materials is precisely what abrasion is. It can significantly impact the lifespan and aesthetics of a textile product.

Pilling:

Pilling occurs when loose fibers on the fabric surface tangle and clump together. While not necessarily a functional issue, pilling detracts from the overall appearance and quality of the textile.