What is colour fastness and how can buyers test it before purchasing fabric or garments?

Colour fastness is a measure of how well a fabric retains its colour under various conditions — washing, rubbing, sweat, and light exposure. Poor colour fastness is one of the most common quality complaints in ethnic wear retail.

Types of colour fastness tested in textile industry:

• Wash fastness: Colour retention after washing
• Rub fastness (dry and wet): Colour transfer when fabric is rubbed against another surface
• Light fastness: Resistance to colour fading under UV light
• Perspiration fastness: Resistance to colour change from sweat

Simple buyer field tests:

• Wet rub test: Dampen a white cloth and rub firmly on the fabric — significant colour transfer indicates poor wet rub fastness
• Water drop test: Place a drop of water on fabric and press a white tissue on it for 10 seconds — heavy colour on tissue indicates poor fastness
• Sunlight test: Leave a small fabric piece in direct sunlight for 2 hours — compare to a shaded piece. Significant fading indicates poor light fastness.