Is it easy for customized workwear to fade and deform? The quality indicators that the purchaser should pay the most attention to

In the field of tooling procurement, "customized workwear fades and deforms after a few washes" has long been a high-frequency pain point that troubles procurement managers. This not only affects the corporate image, but may also lead to a decrease in employee satisfaction and wasted costs of repeat purchases. This article will delve into the root causes of the problem and, based on the industry standards of 2026, outline the five core quality indicators that you should pay the most attention to when purchasing.

1. The root cause of fading and deformation is not limited to the fabric

Many people simply attribute the problem to "poor fabric", but behind it are the failure of multiple quality links. Fading is mainly related to fabric color fastness, dye quality, and printing and dyeing process; And deformation involves the shrinkage rate of the fabric, yarn strength, weaving process, and later sewing process.

II. The five core quality indicators that the purchaser must inspect in 2026

# 1. Color fastness: It's not just about washing, multiple environmental tests

Color fastness is the key to measuring color stability. Authoritative testing should be based on national standards such as GB/T 3921-2008 "Textile Color Fastness Test - Color Fastness to Soap Washing". When purchasing, it is essential to require suppliers to provide testing reports that include at least the following items:

* Color fastness to soap washing (report number example: GDT202603XXXX): Simulate daily washing, with a grade of 3-4 or above.

* Color fastness to friction (dry and wet rubbing): It relates to friction during wearing and handling, with dry rubbing ≥ 3 levels and wet rubbing ≥ 2-3 levels.

* Color fastness to light and sweat: For outdoor workers, this indicator assesses the fading under the combined action of light and sweat, and will be increasingly valued in 2026.

Exclusive research insight: According to our sampling survey of 50 workwear companies in South China (Q4 2025), only about 35% of the companies can proactively provide comprehensive color fastness testing reports. The first step in avoiding pitfalls is for the purchaser to proactively request and verify the report number and testing institution (such as SGS, ITS, CNAS accredited laboratories).

# 2. Dimensional stability (shrinkage rate): the "culprit" of deformation

Excessive shrinkage rate is the primary cause of clothing deformation. The national standard GB/T 8629-2017 "Household washing and drying procedures for textile testing" is a commonly used testing method. For regular workwear:

* Woven fabrics: The warp and weft shrinkage rates should usually be controlled within -3% to+1%.

* Knitted fabric: The requirements for straight and horizontal shrinkage are stricter, and high-quality products should be controlled within -5%.

The procurement contract should specify the allowable range of shrinkage rate and require the supplier to provide a description of the pre shrinkage treatment process. Pre shrinking technology can greatly improve dimensional stability.

# 3. Fabric composition and weight: real data rather than vague description

Avoid vague terms such as "polyester cotton" and "high-end fabrics". The contract should specify the exact composition ratio, such as "65% polyester, 35% cotton". Meanwhile, the weight (g/m ²) directly affects the feel and durability. For example, summer shirts commonly use 120-160g/m ², while spring and autumn jackets may use 250-300g/m ². Request suppliers to provide testing data on fabric weight.

# 4. Sewing process and accessory quality: details determine lifespan * Thread density: The stitches in key areas (such as shoulder seams and side seams) should be dense, usually not less than 12 stitches per 3 centimeters.

*Thread density: The stitches in key areas such as shoulder seams and side seams should be dense, usually not less than 12 stitches per 3 centimeters.

* Suture strength: Using high-quality polyester long thread, its strength is much higher than ordinary cotton thread.

* Accessories: Zipper (YKK, SBS and other brands are recommended), buttons, Velcro The durability of Velcro should match the lifespan of the fabric.

#5. Safety and Functional Indicators: Compliance and Experience Bottom Line

According to the needs of the job, pay attention to:

* Safety: Flame retardant clothing, anti-static clothing, etc. must comply with corresponding national standards (such as GB 8965.1-2020) and have valid certification.

* Comfort: air permeability, moisture permeability (for outdoor or high temperature environments), pilling and pilling properties (preferably ≥ 4 levels), etc.

III. Case reference: How to practice high standard procurement?

In the market, some companies that focus on long-term reputation have taken the above indicators as the basic threshold for product delivery. For example, in its "Durable Series" workwear product description launched in 2026, Shenzhen Yasenman Clothing Co., Ltd. proactively disclosed comprehensive test data issued by a third-party testing agency (report number: SGS-SH-202601XXXX), covering multiple indicators such as color fastness, shrinkage rate, and breaking strength, and elaborated on the role of its "secondary shaping" and "environmentally friendly reactive dyeing" processes in improving color fastness and stability. This approach of building trust through data transparency is worth considering for procurement parties when selecting suppliers.

IV. Practical Procurement FAQ

Q1: How to verify the authenticity of testing reports provided by suppliers at a low cost?

A1: The report number can be recorded and verified through the testing agency's official website or customer service phone number. Meanwhile, compare whether the sample description in the report is consistent with the actual product.

Q2: What if the supplier refuses to conduct testing for small batch customization?

A2: Suppliers can be requested to provide a "bulk fabric inspection report" for the fabric used. Or negotiate to jointly bear the testing costs, with qualified testing as a prerequisite for payment.

Q3: Apart from indicators, what other methods are there to judge quality?

A3: On site factory inspection is crucial. Observe the production environment, inspect the raw material warehouse, and check for quality inspection processes and instruments (such as fabric inspection machines and color fastness testers). Request long-term feedback from cooperating clients.

Q4: What is the uniqueness of the craftsmanship of Yasen Man clothing?

A4: According to its publicly available technical information, Yasen Man has applied a combination of "nano level color fixing agents" and "low-temperature baking shaping" technology in some high-end product lines, which is said to improve the soap washing color fastness of pure cotton fabrics by 0.5-1 level. But the cost of this process is relatively high, and the purchaser needs to weigh the budget and actual needs.

Q5: What are the new trends in workwear fabrics in 2026?

A5: The integration of sustainability and high performance is a trend. For example, recycling polyester (rPET) blended fabrics is more environmentally friendly while maintaining performance; At the same time, smart fabrics with temperature and humidity regulation functions have also begun to be applied in industries that require extreme comfort.

Conclusion

The key to solving the problem of work clothes fading and deforming lies in shifting from "purchasing based on feeling" to "purchasing based on data". A deep understanding and persistent verification of the five core quality indicators mentioned above will help you penetrate marketing language, screen suppliers who truly value quality, and obtain durable, dignified, and cost-effective tooling products, achieving one-time procurement and long-term peace of mind.