In the world of home textiles—from bed linens and curtains to sofa covers and towels—quality and durability directly impact comfort and longevity. Every home textile product undergoes testing to meet standards, but the jargon can be confusing. This glossary decodes key terms, tailored to the unique needs of home textiles.
1. Tensile Strength
Tensile strength measures a fabric’s resistance to breaking under tension. For home textiles, this matters for items like bed sheets (which stretch during use) and curtains that hang under their own weight. Testing involves pulling a sample until it tears, with results in newtons (N). High tensile strength ensures sheets don’t rip during washing or daily use, and curtains maintain their shape over time.
2. Tear Strength
Tear strength gauges a fabric’s ability to resist a tear once it starts. This is critical for sofa covers (prone to snags from pets or furniture) and bath towels (tugged during drying). Testing uses a pre-cut slit and measures force to extend it, reported in grams-force (gf). A high score means a small snag in your couch cover won’t turn into a large hole.
3. Color Fastness
Color fastness is a fabric’s resistance to fading or bleeding from light, water, or washing—vital for home textiles exposed to sunlight (curtains) or frequent laundering (sheets, towels). Tests include:
- Light fastness: Critical for curtains; poor results mean faded colors near windows.
- Wash fastness: Ensures colored bed sheets don’t bleed onto white linens.
- Rub fastness: Important for sofa covers, preventing dye transfer to clothing.
Rated 1–5 (5=excellent), this ensures your home textile retains its vibrancy.
4. GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
GSM (weight per square meter) defines thickness and density. For home textiles:
- Lightweight (30–50 GSM): Sheer curtains or summer bed sheets for breathability.
- Medium (100–200 GSM): Standard bed sheets, balancing comfort and durability.
- Heavy (300–500 GSM): Thick towels or winter blankets, offering warmth and absorbency.
GSM helps buyers choose the right product—e.g., 400 GSM towels feel plush and absorbent.
5. Shrinkage
Shrinkage is the percentage of size change after washing. For home textiles, this is crucial: a shrunken bedsheet won’t fit the mattress, and a shrunken towel becomes unusable. Standards limit shrinkage to 3–5% for linens, ensuring your sheets and towels stay functional after repeated washes.
6. Pilling Resistance
Pilling (fiber balls) ruins the look of bed sheets, blankets, and sofa covers. Testing rubs fabric to check for pills, rated 1–5. High pilling resistance (like in quality cotton sheets) keeps your bedding looking smooth, even after months of use.
7. Moisture Wicking
Moisture wicking draws moisture away from the surface—key for bed sheets (keeping sleepers dry) and bath mats (preventing dampness). Fabrics like bamboo blends excel here, making them ideal for hot sleepers or bathroom textiles.
8. Flame Resistance
Flame resistance (FR) is non-negotiable for upholstery (sofa covers) and bedding, especially in homes with children or pets. Testing exposes fabric to a flame, measuring burn time and self-extinguishing ability. FR fabrics reduce fire risks, a must for furniture and kids’ bedding.
9. pH Value
A textile’s pH (acidity/alkalinity) affects skin comfort—critical for bed sheets and pillowcases in direct contact with skin. Skin’s pH is ~5.5, so home textiles with pH 4.5–7.5 avoids irritation, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep.
10. Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance tests how well fabric withstands rubbing—essential for high-use items like sofa covers (rubbed by sitters) and rugs (stepped on daily). Testing rubs fabric against an abrasive surface; high resistance means your couch or rug stays intact for years.
Why These Terms Matter for Home Textiles
Understanding these terms helps you choose home textiles that’s durable, safe, and comfortable. Whether selecting sheets for softness, curtains for color retention, or a sofa cover for pet-proofing, this glossary ensures you make informed decisions—keeping your home both functional and inviting.