Overview

Discover the fundamentals of selecting and testing textiles in the apparel industry. Covering 80+ fibres and fabrics, Angela Davies explains how designers, technologists and buyers can effectively test and choose the most suitable textiles for their products. How do you ensure your winter gear will protect you from the cold and wet? Can you be sure a 'little black dress' won't look a little grey after two months? What fabric will endure playground tumbles, be soft on delicate skin, and still be affordable? Situating textile choice and testing within the wider industry, Textile Product Performance covers: - testing methods to assess durability, aesthetics, comfort, health and safety for common materials and products - standard requirements and common international regulations - helpful overviews of advanced textiles and testing methods, from sustainable textiles to medical materials. This practical guide also features 10 in-depth case studies with industry professionals including colouration experts, interior designers, and technologists from fashion brands like New Balance and River Island. Whether you’re a student, designer, or industry professional, Textile Product Performance is the essential resource to help you understand the fundamentals of textile selection and testing and apply these principles with confidence in your work.

Full Product Details

Author:   Dr Angela Davies (De Montfort University, UK)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint:   Bloomsbury Visual Arts
Dimensions:   Width: 18.80cm , Height: 2.00cm , Length: 24.40cm
Weight:   0.800kg
ISBN:  

9781350105577

ISBN 10:   1350105570
Pages:   296
Publication Date:   08 January 2026
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Not yet available  
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

Table of Contents

List of Figures List of Tables List of Industrial Contributors Preface Acknowledgements 1. Product Performance Introduction What is product performance? Customers within the textile industry The supply chain Roles in the textile industry The role of quality control versus quality assurance Why test textiles? Testing location and the environment Testing methodologies Introduction to performance specifications Summary 2. Fibres and Fabrics Introduction What are the categories of fibres? Fibres and their properties Fibre blends Fibre into fabric form Blended yarns Material structures Weaving Dyeing and printing of textiles Colour interaction and theory Finishing of textiles Summary 3. Textile Testing Introduction The types of testing How to test textiles Testing methods Testing of fibres and yarns Fibre properties Fabric testing Performance testing Durability Durability tests Aesthetics – appearance, fashion, fit Fibre shedding/ pile removal Aesthetics testing Comfort – how the fabric interacts with the body Comfort testing Care – maintaining appearance Labelling Care testing Colour- the importance of maintaining colour on a textile Colour testing Resistance to the elements – protection from rain, wind, sun etc Environmental resistance Safety – protection from hazards Safety testing Biological resistance – protection from degradation Biological resistance testing Summary 4. Testing Results and Conformance Introduction What are specification sheets? Wearer/ user trials versus laboratory testing Mannequins in place of wearer trials Chapter summary 5. Advanced Testing Advanced testing Innovations in colouration and finishing Sustainable textiles Chapter summary 6. Industrial Case Studies Rob Croskell, The Textile Detective, SGS Dr. Tom O’Haire, Camira Fabrics Krupa Christopher, Fabric technologist, River Island Jacqui Brewin, Garment Technologist, George of ASDA (formally part of Walmart) Rebecca Bennett, Material Specialist and Jon Robson, Quality Manager, Pentland Brands Limited Dave Wilson, UK Sample Dye house Manager, Crystal Martin International (a member of Crystal International Group) Glen Chambers, Interiors Design, Chambers Design Sarah Cuthbert, Burnham Peninsula Kevin Guildford, Kevin Guildford Design Jessica Tasker, Fabric Developer, New Balance Appendix Bibliography Index

Reviews

An insightful and accessible guide for designers and buyers. Blending technical knowledge with industry case studies, Davies demystifies textile performance while supporting confident decision-making throughout the global supply chain. * Martin Charter, University for the Creative Arts, UK * Provides a comprehensive understanding of textiles, testing, and processes which is crucial for navigating the complexities of today's supply chains. A must-have for anyone aiming to excel in the fashion industry. * Fiona Bailey, Product Learning and Development Manager, Next, UK * An invaluable resource for designers and researchers. Industry case studies bring the comprehensive technical content to life, making this book highly accessible and usable. * Faith Kane, Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand *

Author Information

Angela Davies is Associate Professor in textile and garment technology at De Montfort University, UK. She has been principal and co-investigator on several regionally, nationally and internationally funded projects, working with technical textile and medical enterprises to develop new products and processes. Her research interests include product performance and quality control; sustainable textile development; medical, technical and performance textiles; wearable technologies; product development for durability and longevity; and textile end of life management, including biodegradation and composting.

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