Glossary

Colourfastness

What colourfastness means for textiles, common test types (wash, rub, light), and when brands should specify requirements.

What it is

Colourfastness is a fabric's resistance to losing or transferring colour — in washing, rubbing (crocking), light exposure, or perspiration. It is tested against standard scales.

When to specify

Dark or saturated colours, prints on light garments, and anything sold as washable deserve stated colourfastness expectations. Agree what tests apply and what ratings pass before bulk dyeing.

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