How Durable Is That Upholstery Fabric? Here's How It's Tested (And What You Should Know Before You Buy)
- Stephen Miehe
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
If you’re shopping for upholstery fabric, chances are durability is high on your list of must-haves—and for good reason. Whether you're refreshing your favorite reading chair, reupholstering a family heirloom, or upgrading your vehicle seats, you want a fabric that can handle real life: kids, pets, guests, pizza nights, and everything in between.
But what actually makes a fabric "durable"? And how do you compare different fabrics to know what’s right for your needs?
At Elegance Upholstery, we believe an informed customer is a happy customer. So, let’s break down the science of fabric durability, including the industry-standard tests and measurements used to rate upholstery fabrics. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about how tough it feels—it’s about how it performs under pressure (literally).
What Is Fabric Durability?
Fabric durability refers to how well a textile resists wear and tear over time. This includes:
Abrasion resistance (how well it holds up to friction)
Tensile strength (how much pulling it can take)
Pilling resistance (how likely it is to form those annoying little fuzz balls)
Colorfastness (how well it resists fading)
Seam strength (how durable the fabric is when sewn)
Let’s explore how each of these is tested.
1. Martindale and Wyzenbeek Tests – The Abrasion Showdown
These are the big two when it comes to measuring abrasion resistance:
Martindale Test
A fabric sample is rubbed in a figure-eight motion using a wool or sandpaper pad.
Measured in cycles (one complete motion = one cycle).
The test ends when the fabric shows noticeable wear.
Common for European fabrics.
Wyzenbeek Test
A fabric is rubbed back and forth (like a butt sliding across a couch) using cotton duck or a wire screen.
Measured in double rubs (one back-and-forth = one double rub).
Most common in North America.
Typical Ratings:
15,000 double rubs or less – Light use (e.g., decorative pieces)
15,000–30,000 – Moderate to heavy residential use
30,000+ – Commercial-grade and ultra-durable
If your furniture lives in a high-traffic zone (hello, kids and Labradors), look for at least 30,000 double rubs.
2. Tensile and Tear Strength Tests
Think of these as the “tug-of-war” tests. How much pulling and stress can the fabric take before it rips?
Measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or newtons (N).
Critical for furniture that’s going to get stretched, sat on, and maybe even jumped on.
3. Pilling Resistance
Nobody likes a lumpy sofa covered in fuzzballs. Pilling happens when fibers break loose and form tiny balls on the surface.
Tested using machines like the Random Tumble Pilling Tester.
Rated on a scale from 1 (severe pilling) to 5 (no pilling).
Durable fabrics typically rate 4 or 5.
4. Colorfastness to Light and Rubbing
Sunlight and repeated cleaning can fade fabrics. These tests measure how well dyes and prints hold up over time.
Colorfastness to Light: Measured by exposing fabric to UV light and comparing fading over time.
Colorfastness to Crocking: Measures how much color rubs off when the fabric is rubbed dry or wet.
Look for fabrics rated 4 or higher on a 1–5 scale.
5. Seam Slippage and Strength
Even a strong fabric can fail if it doesn’t hold together at the seams.
Tested by sewing two pieces together and pulling them apart.
Important for high-stress furniture like dining chairs and tight upholstery work.
So… How Do You Choose the Right Fabric?
We get it—those tests can sound a bit like a science experiment (because, well, they are). But here’s the good news:
You don’t have to be a fabric engineer to find the perfect durable fabric. You just need someone who knows their stuff—and we happen to know a thing or two about upholstery.
Why Choose Elegance Upholstery?
At Elegance Upholstery, we offer a curated selection of high-quality, durable upholstery fabrics—from commercial-grade heavyweights to stylish performance fabrics perfect for homes with kids, pets, and everyday chaos. Our team can help you match the right fabric to your furniture and lifestyle, ensuring beauty and resilience.
So if you’re wondering:
“What’s the most durable fabric for a sofa?”
“How can I make this chair last another decade?”
“Can I find a fabric that’s both stylish AND kid-proof?”
We’ve got the answers—and the swatches.
Ready to Breathe New Life Into Your Furniture?
Book a free consultation with us today. We'll walk you through fabric options, durability ratings, and design choices to help you find the perfect fit.
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