A framework for measuring physical garment durability

Abstract

Measuring the physical durability of garments is difficult and current assessment methods lack objectivity and reliability or don't reflect the complex nature of durability for different garment categories. This study presents a novel and reproducible methodology for testing and ranking the absolute durability of commercially available t-shirts and denim jeans. Multiple durability factors were used to modulate the ranking as opposed to previous studies which only reported on single factor tests to evaluate durability. This new ranking methodology was used to explore the relationship between garment durability and retail price, consumers commonly use price to evaluate whether a garment is of good quality and durable, however, results indicate that retail price cannot be used to predict the durability of garments. The methodology developed during this study is now being used to assess garment durability for the Waste Action Resource Programme's (WRAP) Textile 2030 initiative as part of their strategy to reduce the environmental impact of UK fashion. Multiple UK fashion brands are signed up to this initiative and this method will provide a way of measuring and benchmarking different garment types as a step towards improving the durability of garments on the market.